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SNP MP Thomson Welcomes Fresh Round of 'Lifeline' Business Grants
SNP MP for Gordon, Richard Thomson, has welcomed the introduction of ‘lifeline’ business grants announced by Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes.
The grants for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses across Scotland closed by level 4 restrictions represent a significant top-up to the existing grant support available.
In addition to grants businesses can already receive through the Strategic Business Framework Fund, eligible businesses will also get a one off grant of:
- £25,000 for larger hospitality businesses on top of the 4-weekly £3,000
- £6,000 for smaller hospitality businesses on top of the 4-weekly £2,000
- £9,000 for larger retail and leisure businesses on top of the 4-weekly £3,000
- £6,000 for smaller retail and leisure businesses on top of the 4-weekly £2,000
In most cases, eligible businesses that have already applied for the 4-weekly payment from the Strategic Framework Business Fund will get an automatic top-up.
For the majority, this top-up will be combined with the next tranche of payment for the Strategic Framework Business Fund due to go to businesses on 25 January.
Speaking following the announcement, Ms Forbes said:
“Since the start of the pandemic Scottish Government support for business and the economy has reached almost £3 billion - more than a third of our total coronavirus (COVID-19) funding, demonstrating our commitment to provide as much help as we possibly can to our businesses.
“As promised, this additional support for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses will be available this month, in some cases doubling or tripling the amount of support we are providing. Applications are open now and payment will be made this month.
“Crucially this essential funding will also help to close the gaps in UK wide support for these impacted sectors and our one-off support for larger hospitality premises of £25,000 is considerably more generous than the £9,000 grant on offer in England.
Gordon SNP MP Richard Thomson added:
“This is very positive news and will come as a financial lifeline for many retail, leisure and hospitality businesses across the North East.
“There’s much to do to continue supporting business while we seek to curb the ongoing impact of the virus. I’ll continue to lobby for an extension of the current reduced VAT level and a continuation of business rates relief. However, this is a very welcome boost from the Scottish Government - I’d encourage businesses which consider they might be eligible to apply immediately.”
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