'No plans' to extend support to businesses impacted by Leicester lockdown, says Government
Responding to an email sent by Leicester West MP Liz Kendall, Zahawi said: "The Chancellor has already said there are no plans to change the scope or extend any of the schemes currently available.
"I hope the lockdown is temporary, and that affected businesses in Leicester will be able to reopen soon."
Posting on her Twitter page, Kendall said the response should act as 'a warning' for areas affected by local lockdowns in the future.
"Nadhim Zahawi has just confirmed to me that the Government will not change or extend the support available to businesses or employees as a result of the Leicester lockdown," she said.
"My constituents and people across Leicester deserve better.
"This is a warning for future local lockdowns too."
Leicester's lockdown was extended for a further two weeks from 4 July following a spike in Coronavirus cases.
Based on a mapping, carried out by real estate adviser Altus Group of the enforced ‘Leicester Lockdown’ zone, the extension has impacted 239 restaurant businesses, as well as 182 pubs, 97 cafés, 26 hotels, and 14 wine bars.
The local lockdown covers the entire Leicester City Council area; the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council area; and parts of the Blaby District Council and Charnwood Borough Council areas.
