MPs are to consider if businesses were given sufficient support during the coronavirus crisis, as they launch a new inquiry into Scotland’s Covid recovery.
More than three years on from the start of the pandemic, members of the Scottish Affairs Committee will examine how well key sectors and businesses have recovered from the impact of lockdowns on the economy.
It comes after a previous inquiry by the committee into Covid in 2020 raised concerns about issues such as food availability – although MPs at the time praised the financial packages provided by both the Scottish and UK governments.
The committee is now looking to find out how well sectors and industries have recovered in the post-pandemic period, assessing how helpful the aid received from Holyrood and Westminster has been as part of this.
They also hope to hear from experts on what strategies could be used if there is another pandemic.
Speaking as the committee launched its inquiry, chair Pete Wishart said: “In the wake of Covid-19, our committee was eager to assess the effect of the pandemic on people and businesses across Scotland, and what policies Westminster and Holyrood have put in place in response.
“Three years on, with life back to normal, we’re keen to see how well industries and sectors across Scotland have recovered.
“Was the financial support from the UK and Scottish governments sufficient? Are there new strategies that industry experts suggest we adopt should there ever be another pandemic?”
The committee invites written submissions by 14 June, with broad questions including:
- How well has your industry recovered to pre-pandemic levels?
- How adequate was UK and Scottish government support for your sector to get back to pre-pandemic levels?
- How effective was government spending around the pandemic?
- How much did financial support assist in the recovery of your industry to pre-pandemic levels?
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