Throughout lockdown, LDHA members have been meeting weekly via an online platform to offer each other support where possible, and to navigate their way through the unprecedented challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday 2 June, Tim Farron joined the meeting to answer questions from the group and offer clarity on some of the more recent guidance issued by the Government. He also noted several actions that he intends to take to Parliament on behalf of LDHA members and associated businesses.
Tim opened by thanking the Association, and indeed the wider hospitality industry, for the understanding and sacrifices made by businesses and individuals across the County in recent months.
He acknowledged that he was initially ‘deeply alarmed’ by the speed of the easing of restrictions and pointed to the statistic that 93% of people have reportedly not had Covid-19 virus as yet. He added that he was extremely concerned about the potential increase in the death rate and the impact that a reintroduction of more severe lock-down measures could have on the wider economy. Therefore, all of his recommendations to Parliament have been, and would continue to be, informed by the science available and have the safety of the region’s inhabitants at the forefront.
Highest increases in unemployment across the Country
Noting that we have always benefited from a relatively low level of unemployment in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency, Tim explained that most recent figures show a 312% rise in unemployment, currently one of the highest increases in the Country.
Tim explained that he wished to draw on his experience of living and working in the County, and that he wished to be an informed voice that could work effectively on behalf of the region by taking concerns to Parliament. In particular, he explained that he wanted to hear from the tourism sector as it represents not only the largest employer in the County but is the 4th biggest employer in the country.
Acknowledging the ‘Feast and famine cycle’ of tourism within the region, Tim explained that he is proposing a motion to extend financial support packages to run through to March 2021. He advised that cross party support is building behind this idea and that he remained optimistic about success.
Tim went on to explain that he has never known a time when Government has been as interactive and iterative in its approach to policy making. In addition, he explained that there is a willingness to listen to ideas, to respond with speed and even to change direction if evidence is clearly stated.
Before taking questions from the group, he talked of his collective pride, sense of duty and feeling of responsibility to ensure the region gains the voice and support it requires to thrive. He acknowledged that this was a life and death situation for people and businesses, but was keen to stress that there is reason for hope.
Here is the transcript from the Q&A.
For all LDHA members and non-members there is a dedicated LDHAVoice COVID-19 website and Linkedin group for us collectively to share latest news, debates, policy information and to seek support together. Do join us.
Lake District Hotels Association (LDHA)
A hospitality and tourism association with 40+ members, based across the Lake District and Cumbria. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the services, accommodation, experiences and attractions available; to tourists; local businesses; and how we are supporting the growth of the local economy. The LDHA leads engaging campaigns alongside important conversations with local and national authorities on topical challenges and opportunities.