Q&A with Tim Farron, MP South Lakes

LDHA to lead Parliament policies 

Clive Wilson, The Lakeside Hotel asked how UK Hospitality are representing the industry in Parliament and how they were viewed.

Tim explained that he represents two national parks, one of these being the Lake District National Park, the biggest visitor destination outside London. As such, National lobbying bodies such as UK Hospitality are not focused on him as he has the businesses on the ground to advise him. He went on to explain that National lobbying organisations help other MP’s from ‘less touristy’ regions to understand concerns and take the industry seriously. 

UK Hospitality have also learnt their support to the campaign to extend support until March 2021 and have put pressure on the Home Office to take a more ‘sensible’ view over imigration, by lending weight to the arguments taking place.

When asked if we should campaign for change through UK Hospitality or directly as LDHA - Tim answered with an unequivocal “Both!” before going onto stress that we should “milk the fact” that we have the iconic Lake District as our backdrop and “stand at our full height”. He added that as representatives of one of the UK's premier destinations we should make our voice heard.

Re-Opening

On the question of the reopening guidance due to be issued from the Government on 12th June, members expressed concern about lack of implementation time. 

Tim recognised the short timescales and expressed a degree of frustration that the Government did not share their workings more freely, however, he did acknowledge the complex challenges faced by the Government in easing the lockdown. He committed to personally chase the guidance and see if this timescale can be revisited.

Tim stressed the need to communicate and drive policy based on reasoned argument and industry knowledge. He emphasized the fact that LDHA has an important role to play in advising ministers who can only work on best judgement, unless the industry advises them otherwise. He strongly advised that a blueprint of how the industry within the region can open safely be sent to Whitehall by the LDHA Association. 

Jen Cormack, Windermere Lake Cruises questioned the 2 Meter distance rule in light of  the World Health Organisation advice of 1m. She asked if this advice was likely to change, if it was prudent for a business to commit scarce budget to signage that may be out of date before it is used and also highlighted the impracticality of operating a business with the 2m distancing rule in place.

Tim felt that there was a very good chance it will be reduced to 1m in the near future. He explained that WHO guidance is driven by work undertaken in cities and that it was something being seriously discussed in Parliament. He said that there were many ministers lobbying the government to move to 1m. Mr Farron said he was ‘in that camp’ - provided it was proved to be safe. As yet, the Chief Medical Officer remains unsure.

The discussion moved onto the reopening of car parks and public toilets, both of which have caused issues over recent days.  It was explained that the National Park is reopening toilets, however Windermere Town Council have chosen to make a different decision as they were disappointed with the haste to ‘unlock the Lake District’. Tim explained he has been encouraging the Town Council to reconsider and open toilets in Windermere.

Cath Dutton, People Junction shared disturbing images of waste being dumped around the region and Ben Mayhou from Castle Green pushed on the question of reopening car parks, explaining that the inconsistent ruling is causing serious roadside issues.

Tim commented saying he hoped it would settle soon, explaining that the situation has perhaps been exacerbated by the unusual profile of visitors coming to the Lake District at the moment and their lack of familiarity with appropriate behaviour.

The group shared a statistic provided by LDNP which confirmed 65% of the current visitors were new to the Lakes - hence lack of awareness of parking and rubbish disposal. Mr Farron explained that he is pushing for at least one of the Government briefings this week to focus on the Countryside Code and appropriate behaviour when visiting rural areas. The code leads with the guidance to Respect, Protect and Enjoy and provides valuable details that can support sustainable tourism.

The aim is that by normalising a return of visitors to the lakes, we will hopefully build and improve relationships between visitors and locals.

Steven Broughton, Mountain Goat went on to highlight the challenges of Public Transport and the impact caused by the lack of overseas visitors.

Although the UK is not currently seen as a safe destination by many European countries with a death rate that far exceeds many of their combined figures, Tim felt that quarantine restrictions would ease over the coming weeks and that this perception would change.  Again he asked for guidance and direction on how transport business could open safely and committed to taking the views to Parliament.

He was also keen to focus on some positive outcomes, recognising that the British population spent £54 Billion on tourism last year.and only £14 billion of that was in UK with 40 Billion being spent overseas.  He suggested that the increased domestic audience will remain in the UK this year and hopefully provide a well needed boost to the sector.

Tim shared that the Government is developing rules around opening and accepting suggestions all the time. He felt that if the recent changes in lockdown do not result in a serious second wave then we will see a fast pace of change being implemented, resulting in a ‘normal August’. 

Ben Mayou, Castle Green Hotel asked: If you were a betting man, when would hotels open? 

Tim said he was not overly optimistic about the ability to contain the rise in the infection rate and he remains cautious about businesses opening on 4th July, saying he did not feel that the Government were considering hotels as part of the reopening on this date. However, he did go on to say that the Government could not allow travel to second homes without causing a political storm and facing accusations as only considering the privileged few. Therefore, hotels are in a good position to drive the reopening process if they take the initiative. 

Furlough 

Graham Hadaway, Hargreaves asked if there was going to be continued support for wages and beyond the current dates indicated and stressed that without support beyond September, unemployment levels were set to rise significantly.

Tim recognised the bleak and desperate situation many are facing but stressed he was hopeful that a positive decision will be forthcoming. He discussed the cross party ministers who have sought to do the right thing throughout this uniquely difficult time. And whilst defending the 20% contribution if businesses are open and running as sensible, he said that there are open minds in Government who are listening to advice.

Graham also asked about waiving VAT as an alternative way of supporting the industry as this has been championed by Mr Farron before.

Again, this is something that Tim Farron indicated he would be backing and explained that previous excuses made by the Government regarding the blocks put in place by the EU can no longer be considered to apply.

Tim went on to explain that he sees “no cheap option” to recovery, and furthermore, that the billions invested from March onwards will have been wasted if financial support packages are abandoned now. It is either a case of continue to support the industry or recognise the extreme hardship that is coming along with the dramatic increase in levels of  Universal credit required.

When questioned if the Furlough scheme will become industry specific, Mr Farron said he thought not because of the backlash from other industries. However, he did indicate that he felt there may be regional arguments for considering ‘special cases’, not just industry specific.

Cath Dutton explained that as the Government guidance was not due until 12th June and the last date for furlough registration was 10th June, this prevented businesses making informed decisions about employees and the Furlough process.

Tim acknowledged this as a critical point and, whilst he did not agree with brick throwing or ‘playing politics’ in the current crisis, this was clearly ‘madness’. Tim committed to raise this issue in Parliament and offer constructive direction.

Paul Cookson, The Salutation suggested that as a minimum, furlough should match Universal Credit payments.

Tim recognised the financial benefit of keeping people within employment, but went on to expand on the wellbeing benefit of being ‘in-work’, even if furloughed. He said he will be encouraging the Government not to get ‘vertigo’ when considering the National Debt.  Recognising that the debt will be ‘colossal’ by end of this period, Mr Farron said he feels it can be seen as an investment in a nation ready to bounce back and grow. Whereas failing to expand support packages at this point may result in a demoralised and deflated economy.

Cath Dutton asked if it is right to allow staff to continue to accrue holiday whilst on Furlough, therefore increasing the pressure on employer? 

Tim acknowledged this as a fair and sensible to question. He said that if enforced carefully, he did not see it as a controversial issue that would inflame the union position. He said  “at the heart of TUC are sensible people dealing with special times. This is a one off, not a question of giving up workers rights”

Clare Bateman, Lindeth Howe raised the point regarding live-in staff, stressing that it's not just their livelihood that could be lost, but their home also.


At a time when the Government had cleared 95% of homeless in 3 weeks, Tim Farron said that this was a crucial and pertinent point that should be raised in Government and that LDHA were well positioned to communicate this. He paid tribute to the businesses across the region as “Seriously impressive” and congratulated an industry that was fighting, not only to keep people in a job but with a roof over their heads.

James Tasker from Lamplighter DR shared:   “
The reality of a business collapsing has been born out at Windermere Hotel where all staff have been given 28 days notice to vacate accommodation many of whom are EU nationals. This is happening!”

To read more on this topic, please visit our blog post and COVID-19 dedicated website discussing the key themes and debates from the meeting.

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.