26 November 2020
Peter Aldous calls for more support for hard-hit hospitality sector

Peter Aldous calls on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ensure there are clear indicators for areas to move to tier 1 and seeks additional support for the hospitality sector.

Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)

I know that my right hon. Friend will thank everyone in both East and West Suffolk for getting down the level of infections, and that it is with a heavy heart that he has concluded that the county cannot exit to tier 1. Will he ensure that there are clear indicators as to what else needs to be done so that Suffolk may move to tier 1 as quickly as possible, and will he liaise with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to put in place additional support for the hard-hit hospitality sector?

Matt Hancock 

I have constant discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the support needed. My hon. Friend is right to raise that, especially in Suffolk. It is with a heavy heart that we took the decision on Suffolk. Its case rate is higher than the Isle of Wight or Cornwall, which are the two areas in tier 1, but that gives an indication of where we need to get to. I am sure that if we all work together, we will be able to get there.

Hansard