December 18th, 2020.

Lewes Constituency Liberal Democrats release:


Liberal Democrats parliamentary spokesperson, James MacCleary, has condemned the Chancellor for failing to introduce a comprehensive plan to save jobs after it was revealed that over 2,500 people in Lewes District are currently on Universal Credit.

Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine criticised Rishi Sunak's "constant chop-and-change approach", urging him to put in place a proper plan to protect jobs as the Government still struggles to get a grip over rising cases of coronavirus.

The figures revealed that over 5% of people of working age in Lewes District are on Universal Credit.

Following this, James MacCleary has urged local Conservative MP, Maria Caulfield, to join calls for the Chancellor to ensure the furlough scheme remains in place until at least June 2021, as well as overturning their decision to ignore the 3 million individuals still locked out of any Government coronavirus support schemes.

This follows the Liberal Democrats' call for the Prime Minister to negotiate a 6 month Adjustment Period for businesses, giving them crucial breathing space once the UK leaves the transition period.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson, James MacCleary, said: "More and more people in our community are having to fall back on the government's chaotic Universal Credit system as a last resort as unemployment figures rise. It is going to be a very anxious Christmas for so many local families.

"We urgently need a package of measures from the government that truly supports everyone. Too many people have been abandoned by the Chancellor and this government and that needs to change immediately.

"The Chancellor must roll out more support for people in our constituency. Unfortunately the pandemic is far from over and it is crucial we see the Government step up to support the most vulnerable in the coming months. It is disappointing that Maria Caulfield has not seen fit to support this call and I urge her to do so now."

Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: "The Chancellor's constant chop-and-change approach to the furlough scheme and his inability to put together a comprehensive plan to save jobs is taking a huge toll.

"The Government must ensure furlough stays in place until at least June – and extend support to the three million people who still remain excluded from any support whatsoever. Just as crucially, Ministers must ensure there is an Adjustment Period for businesses before new trade rules begin, to avoid a second spike in redundancies."