Eat out to help out: How many meals were claimed for in Derbyshire under Rishi Sunak’s scheme last summer?

Eat Out to Help Out ran right across the country

Diners in Derbyshire claimed hundreds of thousands of meals during the Eat Out to Help Out scheme last summer, according to the latest figures from the Government.

The scheme, which was designed to give struggling hospitality businesses a financial boost during the pandemic, saw foodies across the country dine out for a fraction of the usual cost.

The Government picked up 50% of the bill (up to £10 per person) three days a week throughout August.

Figures released today from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs show that more than 106 million meals were claimed for across the UK, totalling over £611 million.

Diners enjoyed the discount across the country

Diners in Derbyshire claimed 976,000 meals across 485 restaurants under the scheme. Across Derbyshire, the area with the most restaurants offering the deal was the Derbyshire Dales, with 188.

The total amount claimed back by Derbyshire Dales businesses was £1,653,000. Restaurants claimed an average of £8,800.

Diners saved an average of £5.33 per meal.

In Chesterfield, 76 restaurants took part, in the High Peak it was 118. North East and South Derbyshire both had 65 restaurants taking part, Erewash 56 and Bolsover 33.

UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said although the scheme was a “welcome boost” to businesses, more now needs to be done by the Government to help businesses through the new national lockdown.

Ms Nicholls said: “The Eat Out To Help Out scheme is now unfortunately a deep and distant memory in light of the subsequent restrictions and enforced closures suffered by so many businesses.

“These numbers highlight how the sector grabbed this opportunity and played its part in rebuilding customer confidence in eating and drinking out and helped power the wider economy.

“Hospitality can play this role again and is desperate to do so once restrictions are lifted.”

HM Treasury said the scheme brought back over 400,000 people from furlough but did not specify whether it would return in the future.

A spokesperson for the Treasury said: “As we have done throughout the pandemic, we have worked with creativity and at pace to support individuals and businesses.

“We designed The Eat Out to Help Out scheme to protect 2 million jobs in hospitality, an industry whose employees are at high risk of long-term unemployment in the event of redundancy.”