Edward Mountain MSP is calling on the SNP Government to urgently release details of new support for B&Bs and self-catered accommodation businesses.
The Highlands and Islands MSP has also said the Cabinet Secretary for Finance must make sure any new funding for B&Bs and self-catering businesses is accessible to those who operate without a business bank account too.
Edward Mountain MSP has warned the SNP Government to not repeat the same mistakes from last year and exclude B&Bs which operate without business bank accounts from support.
Last summer hundreds of small B&Bs were initially left without support from the £20m Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Hardship Fund because the Scottish Government made having a business bank account a key part of the criteria for applications.
Edward Mountain’s Help Our B&Bs campaign forced the Scottish Government to u-turn on this decision and a separate £3 million hardship fund for B&Bs who operate from personal bank accounts was launched in June 2020.
Seven months on and many B&Bs and self-catered businesses are still fighting for survival with the tourism sector effectively closed down due to restrictions.
On 9 December 2020, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance stated: “We will be supporting recovery plans developed in partnership with the construction sector and with the tourism sector, including self-catering, bed and breakfasts and guest houses.”
Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“B&Bs and self-catered accommodation urgently need help to stay afloat.
“The Cabinet Secretary for Finance suggested support was in the works back in December but we’ve heard very little since then. The SNP Government needs to hurry up before it’s too late for many of these businesses.
“We also cannot afford to see the SNP Government repeat their mistakes from last year and exclude B&Bs without business bank accounts from vital support.
“There is no requirement from HMRC for businesses to operate with a business bank account, so it would be ludicrous of the SNP Government to make this part of the eligibility criteria again.
“I hope the Cabinet Secretary for Finance has now learnt the lessons from last summer’s fiasco.
“The survival of B&Bs and self-catered accommodation businesses is vital for the Highland’s post-pandemic economic recovery.”
