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Excluded to included

This paper provides solutions for those individuals excluded from the government’s income support schemes.

At the top of the paper is a pink strip with the words "Centre Think Tank ISSN 2634-4696". Below this is a paper cover in light blue on a blue background. The title is the words "Excluded to included​. Expanding the government's income support schemes". Under this is an image of five people from different professions and backgrounds standing in a line. Under this are the words "Briefing paper. By Torrin Wilkins and Janey Little, August 2nd, 2020."

Excluded to Included: Expanding the governments income support schemes

This paper is a collection of our practical policy solutions to include those who have been excluded from the government income support schemes. This is an urgent matter, as the risk of a second COVID-19 wave increases each day. If a second wave hits the UK, it is paramount that we ensure the self-employed are not forgotten and get the support they need.
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Quick summary

  • Increase the £50,000 cap on income to £100,000 and then taper off support payments up to £200,000.
  • Scrap the rule that 50% of earnings must come from self-employment to claim under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
  • Allow limited companies to include dividends in earnings and let them claim on their turnover if they reinvest their money back into the company.
  • Allow furnished holiday lettings to be counted under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme in the same way that Bed and Breakfasts are.
  • Add into calculations any payments that are given in the form of discretionary commission and PAYE Tronc payments.
  • For employees that have been made redundant or who are new starters, only proof of employment (such as a contract) will be needed.
  • Remove time spent on maternity leave from Self-Employment Income Support Scheme calculations.
  • Accept 2018-2019 tax returns or PAYE payments to include those who are newly self-employed, are freelancers or are on short-term contracts. For Annual PAYE, the government should accept PAYE returns from the 20th of April.

Authors

Torrin Wilkins

Director and Founder

Torrin is the Founder and Director of the Centre. His experience includes authoring over a dozen papers and over one hundred policies. His policies have been backed by an All-Party Parliamentary Group of over 260 MPs and included in various party manifestos. He regularly appears in a wide range of print and broadcast media and previously had a weekly column for a national publication. He also has a degree in Political Studies from Aberystwyth University.

Janey Little

Janey is a member of the Liberal Democrats and won a British Education Award in 2020.