CALLS have been made for the government to provide financial support for businesses trying to recover from the pandemic. The Green Party has called for the business rate holiday and tourism VAT cut to be extended through 2021 in order to provide financial support for independent businesses. This comes after it emerged last month that the government would legislate against the ability to appeal. But the Green Party says the appeal system was a “lifeline” for small, independent businesses going through financial difficulties with lockdown restrictions. Southampton Green Party spokesperson, John Spottiswoode, said: “Non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure are some of the sectors in the UK hardest hit by Covid-19.