Financial help needed for Eastbourne’s coronavirus-hit tourism industry

The leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has written to the Government requesting financial relief for the tourism industry in light of the coronavirus pandemic. 
A previous Easter market on Eastbourne's seafrontA previous Easter market on Eastbourne's seafront
A previous Easter market on Eastbourne's seafront

Speaking at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Monday (March 16), Eastbourne Borough Council leader David Tutt (Lib Dem) told councillors he had written to chancellor Rishi Sunak, asking him to consider financial relief for the tourist trade.

Cllr Tutt said he had written the letter after speaking with the Eastbourne Hospitality Association in recent days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the letter, seen by the LDRS, Cllr Tutt writes: “As a town Eastbourne is largely reliant upon the tourism economy, indeed if the employment that this provides is added to public sector employment the two account for around 70 per cent of all jobs in the town.

“I recognise that the current pandemic is having an impact in many ways but wish to draw to your attention the major change that it is having upon tourism. 

“Local hoteliers tell me that not only are they not receiving new bookings at this time of year, when having weathered a harsh winter they would expect business to improve, but that many existing bookings are being cancelled.

“This is a fragile industry which relies upon the summer trade to sustain it throughout the year. I am currently witnessing nearly empty hotels and restaurants, am told of staff being laid off and businesses close to financial collapse.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Under these circumstances I implore you to take action to provide temporary relief to this sector which traditionally contributes so much not just to the national economy but to the positive wellbeing of our nation. An early announcement would be most welcome.”

Cllr Tutt also said he would also write to home secretary Priti Patel, asking her to consider extending the timeframe for EU citizens living in the UK to apply for settled status. 

He said he was doing this in light of concerns raised by a local group helping with this application process

During the meeting, officers also gave an update on the latest Government guidance to local councils on how to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A senior officer from the council was among those of around 300 local authorities who took part in a conference call with the local government secretary on Monday. 

During the call, officers said, the government would be providing support to councils to provide social care and help to their local economies. This would include business rate relief for small traders.

The government has also said it will consider bringing forward legislation to remove the requirement for annual council meetings to take place in person and potentially allow council committee meetings to be held “virtually” for a temporary period.