Thank you for contacting me about the wedding industry in the upcoming lockdown.
I fully understand and appreciate how the latest restrictions will come as a blow to many businesses operating in the wedding sector as, from 5 November to 2 December 2020, weddings and civil ceremonies cannot take place unless for exceptional circumstances. I know that this decision was not taken lightly, and I have been reassured that the restrictions are under regular review.
The wedding industry is crucial to our local economy in Derbyshire Dales – our beautiful halls, manors, houses and other wedding venues provide jobs in venue, catering, make-up, photography, cake, dress, tailor and florist businesses. These businesses help make a couple’s wedding day incredibly special. I do sympathise with any engaged couple who have had to cancel or postpone their wedding as a result of Covid-19.
I do understand how this difficult time has caused many challenges for businesses. I have been frequently pressing the relevant Secretary of State, Oliver Dowden, on this issue and have assured him of the importance of this industry locally and the need to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
To support businesses during this time, the Chancellor announced an unprecedented package of measures. These measures have included grants, business rates relief, VAT deferral, self-employment income support and loan schemes. In addition, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been extended following the new restrictions from 5 November. When the CJRS ends on 2 December, the Job Support Scheme will continue to support jobs through the winter period.
Further details on what support is available and the schemes is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise constituents' concerns with Ministerial colleagues.