Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about support for the travel industry.

I know the UK travel industry is facing real difficulty in light of the coronavirus outbreak and I fully appreciate your concerns and the seriousness of the situation.

The Government has been engaging with both the package travel sector and consumer advocacy bodies to assess the impact of cancellations made due to the coronavirus outbreak. I am closely monitoring the situation too and taking on board the views of those living and working here in our constituency.

I also want to reassure you that support is available right now for businesses who are struggling. The Government is deferring VAT payments due between now and the end of June, and all businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sectors are exempt from business rates for 12 months.

In addition, I would also encourage businesses in the travel industry who are facing cashflow and other difficulties to explore the Government-backed loans and guarantees that have been made available. A coronavirus job retention scheme has also been launched too.

The full list of support available can be found through this link.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP