Question reference: S5W-33222
- Asked by: Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 12 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 20 November 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of Scotland being declared an Avian Flu Prevention Zone, what funding is available to businesses that are affected by both COVID-19 and avian flu restrictions, potentially leaving them with no revenue stream.
Answer
There is no requirement on the Scottish Government to compensate bird keepers for the measures that apply under an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). Most of these mandatory measures are considered as best practice biosecurity measures, which should be implemented regardless of an AIPZ. The Scottish Government continues to promote and encourage sound biosecurity practices. The Strategic Framework sets out the Scottish Government's package of business support measures from 2 November for businesses impacted by protective measures to suppress coronavirus. The Strategic Framework Business Fund offers grant support of up to £3,000 for businesses required to close by law, and grants of up to £2,100 for those businesses that remain open, but are required by law to modify their operations. The eligibility of a business depends on where the premises are located and the level of restrictions in place at any point in time. The schedules of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 contain the measures that apply to businesses for each level, and information is also published on the Scottish Government website ( https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-strategic-framework-business-fund/pages/eligibility/) .