Question reference: S5W-31019
- Asked by: Mark Griffin, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 30 July 2020
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 27 August 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, what financial support it is providing for wedding venues and wider wedding industry.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises the importance of marriage and civil partnership to couples and to society more widely. Whilst our priority is public health, we know that the sector has been hit hard and we do not underestimate the crisis created by the pandemic.
The Scottish Government continues to listen to concerns from businesses as we explore how to continue to help during this unprecedented economic crisis. Officials met with representatives from the Association of British Wedding Businesses on 4 August 2020 to hear their concerns and we will consider next steps.
Our total package of support now totals over £2.3 billion.
Depending on the specific business type within the weddings sector, there have been a range of support mechanisms available. Businesses in this sector may have already been able to benefit from:
- Rates relief
- Associated grants of £10k or £25k.
- £30 million Creative, Tourism & Hospitality Fund
- £120 million Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund
- Bounce back loan scheme
- CoronaVirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
- Job Retention Scheme
The Scottish Government will explore options for further support for sectors that that have not to date been able to access sufficient support, for whatever reason. This includes continuing to press the UK Government on this matter.