Edward Mountain MSP has welcomed the launch of a new £7m fund to support B&Bs and self-catering properties which have been impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The Highlands and Islands MSP has lobbied relentlessly through his ‘Help Our B&Bs’ campaign to ensure that small B&Bs that pay council tax can now access financial support.
Last week, Edward Mountain MSP also called on the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to ensure any new funding for B&Bs and self-catering businesses is accessible to those who operate without a business bank account.
The Scottish Government confirmed: “The £7 million Large Self-Catering Grant and the Exclusive Use Grant was announced as part of the £104 million tourism and hospitality package in December. Eligible self–catering businesses will be able to apply for one off grant support of £2,000. Eligible exclusive use premises will be able to apply for £10,000 in grant support.
“All self-catering properties, B&Bs and guest houses that are eligible at Level 4 for Non Domestic Rates can now apply to the Strategic Framework Business Fund, which provides grants for businesses required to close by law as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. In most cases this will be payments of £2,000 every four weeks.
The Scottish Government also confirmed that: “support equivalent to the Strategic Framework Business Fund will also now be available to B&Bs which do not pay Non Domestic Rates but pay council tax. This support will be paid by local authorities.
Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“I am delighted the Scottish Government has finally listened to the concerns of hundreds of B&Bs and will now be supporting those who pay council tax instead of non-domestic rates.
“This is another major success for the ‘Help Our B&Bs’ campaign which also helped to secure a £3 million hardship fund for small B&Bs last year.
“The Scottish Government must make sure these funds are released to eligible businesses without delay and ensure B&Bs without business bank accounts can also access these funds too.
The survival of B&Bs and self-catered accommodation businesses is vital for the Highland’s post-pandemic economic recovery.”
