Responding to ONS figures today that show only 40% of businesses feel confident they can keep trading through the coronavirus crisis, Acting Leader of Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “These figures show the unbelievable strain that businesses throughout the UK are under. The Government has come up with several helpful measures but it seems that some of them, particularly the business loans scheme, are just not getting to the businesses and people that need them.
“That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to review the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and to allow alternative lenders to loan money to small businesses particularly allowing the growing fin tech industry to help.
“The coronavirus crisis is going to be a painful time for businesses and individuals. The Government must constantly review their polices to ensure they are helping as many businesses as possible, otherwise business closures and unemployment will be eye-watering and an economic recovery will be even more challenging.”