SOUTH Lakes MP Tim Farron is lobbying the Government to provide a package of support for the almost 11,000 self-employed people in the area to help deal with the impact of Coronavirus.

Mr Farron has been in discussion with Liberal Democrat members of the House of Lords to put down amendments to the Coronavirus Bill to include a Self-Employed Income Guarantee.

This would guarantee self-employed people with 80% of their average income over the past three years.

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP has also tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling for the same measures.

Mr Farron said: “The Government has taken swift & welcome action to support businesses and employees.

“Now we need to see a similar package of support for the self-employed who are in real stress at this difficult time.

“1 in 4 people in the South Lakes are self-employed. They are the backbone of our economy- let's make sure they don't get left behind.”