Question reference: S5W-30744
- Asked by: Angus MacDonald, MSP for Falkirk East, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 16 July 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 17 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to businesses in the waste and resources sector that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Answer
We recognise the challenges many businesses in the sector continue to face during these difficult times and have engaged with sector representatives to understand the support that may be needed.
In partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, on 1 July we launched an initial package of measures to support the restoration and recovery of the sector following the Covid-19 crisis. This includes up to £1 million grant funding to help businesses maintain environmental performance and sustainability while implementing the controls required to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Resource management companies operating in Scotland can now apply for a grant of up to £10,000 per site to help implement physical distancing measures and adapt operations in response to Covid-19. Consultancy support will also be available to help businesses deal with issues created through the current pandemic and help them maximise recycling and recovery opportunities.
The Scottish Government’s overall business support package is now worth more than £2.3 billion, and includes £875 million of rates relief, small business grants collectively worth over £1.2 billion and £185 million of additional support. We have also now put in place a £230 million Return to Work package to help stimulate the economy following the pandemic.