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<p>We recognise that waterways businesses have been severely impacted by the current
situation. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department for Food,
Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to assess the impact on tourism businesses on
inland waterways following Covid-19.</p><p>The Government has provided wide-ranging
financial support across the whole economy, particularly focussing on small and medium-sized
businesses. These include several loan schemes, such as the 100% Government-guaranteed
Bounce Back Loan; support for self-employed people; the Local Authority Discretionary
Grant Fund to accommodate small businesses previously outside the scope of the business
grant funds scheme; a £10 million tourism ‘kick-start’ package to help small businesses
in our tourist destinations, along with a reduced 5% VAT rate for many tourism and
hospitality activities for six months.</p><p>Through the Cultural Renewal Taskforce
and its working groups, we have developed Covid-19 Secure guidance which will help
heritage and tourism businesses reopen safely for both visitors and workers. Further
significant easing of Covid-19 restrictions from 4 July should now allow many waterways
businesses to reopen to take advantage of coming summer demand.</p>
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