Letter on the Chancellor's response

The Chancellor's response announced last week to the growing number of people losing their jobs and businesses has been inadequate. While furloughing was unsustainable, more targeted support for whole sectors such as performing arts, hospitality and visitor attractions should have been announced. The cash also promised to Local Councils like Wiltshire to help our High Streets needs to be delivered not just talked about

It is also time to recognise the inadequacies of Universal Credit now being experienced by millions. It needs replacement by the more comprehensive citizen's Universal Basic Income. I am delighted ‎to have voted alongside colleagues at the virtual Lib Dems Conference to become the first mainstream party to adopt this policy.

While Universal Credit remains, the Government should be meeting the calls made by Manchester United and England's Marcus Rashford's Food Poverty Task Force. That group is supported by our country's leading food supermarkets and suppliers.

I back their calls for the expansion of free school meals to every child from a household on Universal Credit or its equivalent.‎ The expansion of holiday provision of food and activities to support all children on free school meals and increasing the value of Healthy Start vouchers to £4.25 per week from £3.10 to all those on Universal Credit or its equivalent.‎ Our youngest, poorest and most vulnerable must not be forgotten as Covid cases rise.

‎Yours sincerely

Dr Brian Mathew

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for North Wiltshire

& Wiltshire Councillor for Box & Colerne

Tel: 0777 160 7983