In a bid to recoup lost revenue from COVID fraud, HM Treasury have launched a 'voluntary repayment scheme' allowing individuals and businesses who overclaimed COVID-19 support to pay the money back, with no questions asked.
HM Treasury are allowing individuals and businesses a chance to return pandemic scheme money before tougher sanctions are introduced. This 'window of opportunity' applies to those who claimed funds to which they were not entitled or did not need.
Those who fail to return the funds may be liable to prosecution once the Government receives additional investigation powers next year. The voluntary repayment scheme is open to all individuals or businesses who claimed any of the following:
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CRJS).
- Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
- Eat out to Help Out Scheme.
- Cultural Recovery Fund.
- Business Support Grants.
- Grants from the Department for Health & Social Care.
- COVID-19 Business Loan Guarantee Schemes.
- Any other COVID-19 financial support scheme.
The Treasury warned, "Our message to those who still owe COVID-era money is simple - pay now, clear your conscience, or face the consequences".
The repayment window runs until 'December 2025'.
A Covid fraud reporting website has also been launched, allowing members of the public to report suspected fraud.
Useful guides on this topic
COVID-19: Government support tracker
This tracker covers measures announced by the government to support individuals and businesses through COVID-19.
Recovery Loan Scheme
The Recovery Loan Scheme has been extended until June 2022. Announced in the Autumn Budget 2021, the extension scheme has minor eligibility changes.
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