Blackpool MP calls for 'phoenix fund' to help small businesses rise from the ashes after lockdown

In his letter to Rishi Sunak, Mr Benton wrote: “Now that more than 10 million people have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine in the UK, businesses will be looking forward to the prospect of restrictions being lifted.

"However businesses that have been closed for months may face financial barriers to re-opening when Covid restrictions are phased out; for example a Public House that has been closed for months may require a deep-clean, restock of supplies and repairs to the exterior façade.

"In anticipation of the Government announcing a timetable for bars and restaurants to reopen, may I suggest that the Treasury create a new business 'Restart Fund' especially targeted at small businesses to help them deal with these one-off costs? This ‘Restart Fund’ or ‘Phoenix Fund’ could help many businesses in my constituency, and would make economic good sense, as it would hasten the restoration of the economy to full normality.”