The spread of local lockdowns is rightly seeing everyone raising the issue of inadequacy of economic support, from local leaders to Louise Casey. But it& #39;s really important to focus on the right problem...

Because it& #39;s easy to communicate/attack debates are focusing on the LEVEL of furlough support (falling from 80% to 66%). This is important but the much bigger issue is the breadth of who gets that support at all. Our huge problem is eligibility not levels. Here& #39;s why

First, eligibility is what matters because there is a gaping chasm in the cash you get if you receive the 66% of previous earnings via the Job Support Scheme. Those not eligible and losing work as a result get roughly half the support of those on the JSS. HALF!

Second, eligibility matters because it& #39;s VERY limited. 2 reasons 1) new furlough scheme is only if you& #39;re legally required to close (nothing if you can& #39;t stay open with little trade) 2) scheme for open businesses is just too expensive for firms to access (pay 1/3 unworked hours)

So while it& #39;s understandable that opposition politicians want to focus on the 66% not being as generous as they& #39;d like it& #39;s very dangerous to be ignoring the things that are going to cause the real hardship: that not enough people will get the support at all