Question reference: S5W-33530
- Asked by: Oliver Mundell, MSP for Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 25 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 4 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether self-catering premises in local authority areas subject to Level (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 restrictions, whose businesses are directly affected by the impact of travel restrictions, are eligible to receive a COVID-19 business restrictions grant.
Answer
The Strategic Framework Business Fund offers financial support to businesses legally required to close or to modify their operations. Self-catering businesses in Levels 1&2 or 3, affected by travel restrictions are not eligible for this support. Self-catering businesses required to close in level 4 may be eligible for support if they meet the eligibility criteria. Coronavirus Business Support Grants, the Tourism Hardship fund, rates relief and the £1.5 million Coronavirus Support scheme have all supported self-caterers. We have also provided an additional £30m to support businesses through the local authority discretionary fund. Scotland’s lack of borrowing powers prevents us from fully responding to the economic crisis, and limited funds mean that we must target resources.