Luke Pollard, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, is to hold a meeting with people who live in his patch in Plymouth who have not been able to get financial support during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Many people have fallen through the cracks of the government’s COVID-19 support. If you have missed out on financial aid during this time, due to starting a new job before lockdown, starting your own business, being a freelancer or being denied furlough, or any other reason – Luke would like to hear from you.

The meeting will take place this Friday, August 8 at 11am over Zoom. If you would like to take part, send an email to luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk, and we will send you a link.

Luke Pollard said:

“Since the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic, my office has been inundated with messages from people all over Plymouth who have been struggling financially because they have been excluded from Government support through no fault of their own. Far too many people in Plymouth have fallen through the cracks.

 

“The Chancellor said he wouldn’t pick winners and losers during this crisis, but by refusing to make simple, creative amendments to plug the gaps in his schemes he’s done just that.

 

“If you’ve missed out on vital support during this difficult time, I want to learn more and what you’ve been through and how I can help in my role as your MP.

 

“One person left behind during this pandemic is one too many. We need to a proper plan for to protect, create and support jobs so we can build back better after the Coronavirus pandemic.”

 

Labour has repeatedly called on the government to listen to the concerns of people who weren’t covered by the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and Job Retention Schemes.

The Shadow Chancellor has written to the Chancellor four times in the last four months to point out problems with the schemes and suggest solutions to fix them.

Despite government changes to Universal Credit after Covid-19 hit, it still only covers half of someone’s income on average – and for single people it’s less than a third. But for those who’ve fallen through the gaps in the government schemes Universal Credit is often the only other alternative.