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.

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.