The Chancellor Says Theatres Can Claim Against Pandemic Insurance
Since Prime Minister Boris Johnson's speech last night, which advised against going to the theatre but did not institute a formal ban, there have been serious concerns that it may not be sufficient for venues to claim on insurance.
This evening (17 March), the Chancellor Rishi Sunak offered a vital clarification, saying that theatres will be able to claim against pandemic insurance - if they have it - and also outlined £25,000 cash grants for businesses with low turnover, and a business rates holiday for 12 months for all in the hospitality and retail sector.
This is part of a landmark £330 billion loans package in support of businesses during the Covid-19 outbreak.
However, many are still concerned that there is no support for the country's self-employed workers - who make up a large proportion of the theatre industry.
Read our latest updates on how coronavirus is affecting UK theatre here
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