A campaign group's idea for a new government-funded scheme to boost the economy was discussed on ITV's This Morning today.
A 'Shop Out to Help Out' scheme is being proposed in which campaigners say the government could help pay up to £10 in independent shops.
The scheme was proposed by campaign group Save The Street and is being backed by retail expert Mary Portas and beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury
It calls on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support the sector by offering customers 50% off the cost of goods at independent retailers up to a price of £10.
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The suggested scheme could run for one month this summer with discounts available to shoppers from Monday to Wednesday only, and limited to independent enterprises with fewer than 10 employees that sell through physical stores.
What do you think of a "Shop Out to Help Out" scheme? Let us know in the comments.
On the show Gyles Brandreth said: "The idea is that the government, i.e. the taxpayer, will be paying 50% on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of up to £10 that you spend in independent shops.
"There may be arguments about what is an independent shop, who is eligible for this, but the 'Eat Out to Help Out' really helped.
"In fact it cost the government much more than they expected because people so enjoyed it."
He went on to say that the scheme is "quite an attractive idea" as an increase in footfall is necessary for the high street.
It is not clear what the government's position on such a scheme might be.
Viewers of the show had a mixed reaction to the idea.
@emmylouiseal said: "Now we are suggesting “shop out to help out” when we blamed “eat out to help out” [Woman facepalming] but I’m not gonna complain either if Boris wants to pay for half of my clothes & makeup spree."
@emarob_2pointOh said: "Oh god. The lockdown lovers are going to be crying over ‘shop out to help’ out aren’t they. They should just stay hiding under their bed."
@nicoIalorraine said: "‘shop out to help out’ i can hear abby lee miller screaming 'JOJO HAVE YOU LEARNT NOTHING'."
