Rejected petition Set up a COVID-19 hardship fund for small businesses/individuals

Rejected on 27 March 2020

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 was this petition rejected?

It’s not clear what the petition is asking 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 only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.