The Government must set out criteria for how and when it will lift lockdown restrictions with economic and epidemiological modelling to support it say MP’s
The Treasury Select Committee say that ministers should be more transparent with economic analysis that informs Government decisions
They say that The lack of analysis provided by HM Treasury on social restrictions is disappointing. It should be more transparent about the economic analysis that it undertakes to inform Government decisions. The House should not be asked to take a view on proposals that have far-reaching consequences for the general population without the support of appropriate and comprehensive economic analysis.
There is, they also say, scant justification for the Government to not have addressed the ‘hard edges’ of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which have meant that some people have lost out.
It’s disappointing that the Government has shown no inclination to expand or provide alternatives to the SEISS. It should look at other models of support for people who need it but do not currently qualify, including those developed by the devolved administrations.
Mel Stride MP, Chair of the Treasury Committee, said:
“After almost a year of restrictions, people and businesses need confidence that the Government has a clear route of out the crisis.
“To provide this confidence, the Government must set out the criteria for how and when it will lift lockdown restrictions.
“This should be supported by combined economic and epidemiological modelling undertaken by the Treasury, showing how it would best optimise health and economic outcomes.”
Commenting on the gaps in support section of the report, Mr Stride said:
“Nearly a year on from when the Government first introduced coronavirus support schemes, those who have been excluded must not be forgotten.
“New data from the 19-20 tax returns should be used to help the newly self-employed for the fourth tranche of the SEISS grant.
“We have also made recommendations for how the Treasury should help those limited company directors and freelancers that have fallen through the gaps in support.”
