Accommodation sector support widened
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North MSP Rhoda Grant has welcomed the expansion of funding for B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, she believes the Scottish Government should “hang its head in shame” over its handling of the process.
It follows the government’s announcement that the support net has been widened, but the Highlands and Islands Labour MSP understands that there is only a seven-day window to apply for this fund.
She believes the industry has been treated terribly since the pandemic began because many businesses have been unable to claim for any support due to being unable to meet the eligibility criteria.
Mrs Grant, who is Labour’s shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, has written repeatedly to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes and the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Fergus Ewing since March last year, raising the plight of business owners desperate for cash to survive.
Rhoda Grant said: “I’m sure this announcement will be a welcome relief to the many business owners who have fallen through the cracks and have seen reserves dry up over the past year. I certainly welcome this expansion but I am concerned about the short window of opportunity businesses have to register for this.
“There’s no denying the B&B industry could have been treated far better. Since last year, the accommodation sector have been fighting an uphill battle with the Scottish Government over funding support.
"Grants have been available but lots of businesses have been unable to meet the eligibility criteria. It’s been totally unfair and businesses-owners have been left fearing for their futures.”
Mrs Grant continued: “I hope this expansion closes those gaps and we can see the accommodation sector get the support it deserves.”
The new fund – Support for Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund – would pay out £2000 every four weeks to the B&B industry while Level 4 restrictions are in place.
All B&Bs, self-catering businesses and guest houses that were previously supported by either the Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund or the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund are automatically eligible for support under this scheme. These businesses will be contacted by the local authority and invited to register for payment.
All business must be re-registered by March 22 – payments will be made as soon as possible once registered.
Applications will open for new entrants to the fund on Monday (March 15) for all local authority areas. The fund will be open for one week, and will close to applications on March 22.
More information on this grant can be found here: https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/support-for-small-accommodation-providers-paying-council-tax-fund
