Applications for the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund opened yesterday but questions remain unanswered on eligibility criteria and levels of financial support for successful applicants.
Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain, raised the issue during a Scottish Parliament Virtual Question Time covering Economy, Fair Work and Culture.
Edward Mountain MSP highlighted that small B&Bs in the Highlands and Islands are likely to struggle if they cannot access the hardship fund and sought clarification as to their eligibility and how much these businesses could expect to receive.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture confirmed that small B&Bs who pay council tax will be access to this fund upon a successful application and would encourage businesses suffering hardship to apply
Edward Mountain MSP pressed the Cabinet Secretary for further clarity on the level of support successful applicants could expect to receive from the fund.
The Cabinet Secretary replied that businesses could receive between £2,000 to £25,000 depending on their degree of hardship and what other support schemes they might be able to access.
Following the virtual question time, Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“I am pleased the Scottish Government have finally clarified that small B&Bs who pay council tax can indeed apply for this hardship fund.
However, I question whether this £20m fund will be adequate to support all struggling creative, tourism and hospitality businesses across Scotland. If each applicant received the maximum amount of £25,000, then only 800 businesses would be supported across the country.
It also remains unclear which Scottish Government agency is judging the applications and what criteria is being used to assess how much a struggling business can receive.
I am seeking much-needed clarity from the enterprise agencies as well as Visit Scotland and Creative Scotland who are operating this scheme.”
