Petition · past parliament
Set up a COVID-19 hardship fund for small businesses/individuals
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
Set up a hardship fund to support small businesses/individuals affected by COVID-19. Allow taxpayers to make voluntary payments to the fund.
Many small businesses, self-employed workers and families are very worried about the economic impact of COVID-19 and I believe many people would be willing to make voluntary contributions (however small) so that they can receive financial assistance during the coming months.
Why it was rejected
It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.
The Government has announced a range of support mechanisms for businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
We're not sure exactly what you want the Government or Parliament to do in addition to this. Your petition also says that you think many people would be willing to make voluntary contributions to a hardship fund, but Government is responsible for disbursing public funds raised through general taxation and other sources of revenue, not seeking voluntary contributions from the public.
We're not sure exactly what you want the Government or Parliament to do in addition to this. Your petition also says that you think many people would be willing to make voluntary contributions to a hardship fund, but Government is responsible for disbursing public funds raised through general taxation and other sources of revenue, not seeking voluntary contributions from the public.
Timeline
| 16 Mar 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Mar 2020 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
27 Mar 2020
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.