A call has been made for the government to extend its furlough scheme to spring 2021 for the tourism and visitor economy in Cornwall.

In a report going to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board it is stated that the Government is being lobbied to extend the furlough scheme for the tourist industry.

With most tourism related businesses currently closed and uncertainty about whether they will be able to open this year there have been calls for tourism to be made a special case by the Government in providing support.

If tourism businesses are able to open this summer there is uncertainty about whether they will be open to the usual capacity and whether they will be able to trade.

The report, by Cornwall Council leader Julian German, states: “The need for additional support to the tourism/visitor economy including the continuation of flexibility in furlough arrangements through to spring 2021, resolution of refund and business interruption insurance guidance and a national communication plan to manage summer holidays and promote out of season breaks has been identified and the board will continue to press Government on these issues.”

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board is made up of representatives from a number of organisations including the council, Council of the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and Cornwall’s six Conservative MPs.

It is due to meet online on Friday (June 19) to discuss a report on the board’s response to coronavirus and its approach to recovery.

The report states that since the pandemic it has been meeting informally twice a week.

These meetings have included not just the board members but also representatives from public health, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Department of Work and Pensions, Visit Cornwall and Cornwall’s Lord Lieutenant.

The board has played a part in securing personal protective equipment (PPE) for services and providers which need it in Cornwall and has also supported the provision of support to businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

It has also been looking to help secure financial support including European funding which could be used for a “local emergency response”.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board is set to meet on Friday at 1.30pm. The meeting will take place online.