Pippa in the Cambridge Independent fighting for local businesses

Pippa is in the Cambridge Independent today fighting for the survival of our local pubs and cafés. Yesterday, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced support packages of up to £6,000 for businesses affected by restrictions and cancellations amid the high transmission of the Omicron Covid variant. But many, even those set to receive the maximum grant, fear that the grant will not cover their losses. Businesses also desperately need clarity on the likelihood of post- Christmas restrictions to be able to plan outgoings including orders and staff wages or they face even more hardship.

Pippa says “Independent pubs and cafés are the beating heart of our communities. They have been left paying the cost for the governments mixed messaging with mass cancellations of Christmas bookings. The government has said that pubs and restaurants remain open but the mood music is telling everyone not to go. It’s the family run businesses that are paying the price”. Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement she says “Every little helps but this one-off government grant is not enough to help our local pubs survive if there are further restrictions to be announced after Christmas. Once again, I urge the government to provide clarity and financial support for local pubs and businesses now”.