Question reference: S5W-34385
- Asked by: Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 8 January 2021
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 20 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to mainland Scotland moving from Level 4 restrictions to a temporary lockdown, and in anticipation of potential measures from the UK Government to restrict international travel, whether it plans to reassess its position on providing financial support for aviation-related businesses, such as short and long-term stay airport car parking businesses, which are currently not captured by the Non-Domestic Rates (Coronavirus Reliefs) (Scotland) Regulations 2020.
Answer
We recognise the scale of the global challenge affecting the aviation sector, including the wider supply chain, which continues to be impacted by Covid-19. All non-domestic properties are benefiting from a 1.6% universal Non-Domestic Rates relief in 2020-21 and airports and ground handling service providers in Scotland are being granted 100% relief.
The Scottish Government does not intend to further amend The Non-Domestic Rates (Coronavirus Reliefs) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 in 2020-21. However, we are working with airports on route recovery, to help rebuild connectivity for business and tourism. The re-establishment of previously operated routes, and the return of the passengers who use these, once we are able to safely lift travel restrictions, will help support the wider aviation supply chain.