Questions to the Mayor of London – answered at on 22 September 2020.
Like the rest of the restaurant trade, curry houses in London have been hit by the COVID19 crisis and in particularly it supports some of the most vulnerable communities to the virus. What support can the curry houses of London expect from you during the economic recovery of London’s small businesses.
Curry houses are a vibrant part of the London economy and, like thousands of restaurants across the city, they have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.
I have increased funding to my London Growth Hub, through which businesses can access business support, including one-to-one advice from an adviser. My Pay it Forward London Crowdfunder platform has enabled Londoners to support their favourite small businesses, raising over £500,00 by supporters for over 260 small businesses. I have recently created a £1m match fund to provide further support up to £5,000 for participating businesses.
Despite these efforts, what the hospitality sector needs desperately is targeted, support from Government. I have lobbied Government that it must include confirming an extension to the business rates holiday which is due to end in March, an extension to the furlough scheme and creating a direct financial aid scheme for hospitality, retail, leisure and cultural businesses in the central London zone.