Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Metro mayor pledges £1m for recovery of freelance creatives
PUPPET-MAKERS, artists and musicians will be among the first to benefit from metro mayor Dan Norris’s commitment to double the West of England’s Covid recovery fund from £9.4 million to £18.8 million.
The mayor has chosen the hard-hit creative sector for a first injection of cash. The Combined Authority yesterday voted on an immediate additional £1 million targeted at freelancers and creative businesses.
Mr Norris said: “The creative freelance sector is a vital part of the West of England economy.
“However, many freelancers have been excluded from Conservative Government support for 15 months and continue to be left out in the cold due to arbitrary Government decisions.”
Local creative freelancers have been explaining their pandemic woes to Mr Norris. Many have been excluded from the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. They are desperate because they have had no money coming in.
Those affected include the newly self-employed, people in limited companies and PAYE freelancers. Women who were on maternity leave during the years immediately before the pandemic have also been badly hit because payments through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme were based on average profits in the preceding years.
Local creative, Stephanie Reeves, from StephPuppets, said: “As soon as the pandemic hit, all my event and performance work was cancelled. Even now the future is unsecure and uncertain. Any support that can be given to the events sector is vital in keeping us afloat.”
The desperation facing individuals across the UK has also been outlined by the treasury select committee, which has observed that the Chancellor has drawn a line under helping those excluded from financial support.
Mr Norris said: “Unlike the Conservative Government that has consciously decided not to help freelancers, I am determined to back our brilliant creatives.
“West of England residents know the value of arts and culture to our economy and society.
“These industries have become a huge part of what makes the West of England special and world-beating. I believe that, as part of the hundreds of unique communities and thousands of talented people right across Bath, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North East Somerset, they have a key role to play in helping shape an even better future.
“From theatre shows for children to documentary film-making, with puppet-making and pop-up art exhibitions, the recording of new podcasts and albums and creation of new e-books, I’m proud to back the talented local people working in this sector.”