Coronavirus in Moray: Ross welcomes Chancellor Rishi Sunak's measures for self-employed
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MORAY'S MP has welcomed the measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support the self-employed.
Douglas Ross was talking after Rishi Sunak stated yesterday that the self-employed will be able to claim a grant from the government worth up to 80% of earnings.
This grant will based on their incomes over the last three years and will have a cap of £2500 per month.
It will only be available to those with average annual profits of £50,000 or less.
However the scheme will not begin until the start of June.
Mr Ross said: "I welcome this support for the self-employed in Moray and across the country which will operate to a similar level than the one announced last week for those who are employed.
"I understand it’s been frustrating for people who are self-employed waiting to hear these details and the time it will take to get the money to them.
"However, nothing like this has been designed before and so to produce a scheme that is deliverable and fair has taken some time, but we now have one of the most generous packages available for the self-employed anywhere in the world.
"Part of the delay in having the scheme fully operational is allowing those who have missed the filing deadline in January of this year an extra four weeks to return this information so they can benefit from the scheme.
"I understand this delays money getting directly to people but it’s necessary to ensure that 95% of people who are self-employed will benefit from this unprecedented support package.
"With the earlier announcement of income tax self-assessment payments for July being deferred and interest free loans available, I hope there are options for people to access funds.
"I understand how difficult a time it is right now while the self-employed wait for this support to be delivered in June, when the first payment will be a lump sum covering three months.
"I have worked within the UK Government to ensure that the self-employed are protected through this crisis.
"I welcome the work done by the Federation of Small Business and many other organisations working constructively with the Treasury to bring about this scheme which delivers what was called for, namely, the same support for the self-employed as those who are employed."
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