Support for Scotland’s Businesses in Response to Coronavirus

Support for Scotland’s Businesses in Response to Coronavirus

A range of measures have been brought about to help businesses in Scotland mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Scottish Government has instigated new measures to limit the impact of the coronavirus on the business community in Scotland.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has announced that the following steps will be put in place to support businesses during the 2020-21 financial year:

A 75% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of less than £69,000 from 1 April 2020.

An £80 million fund to provide grants of at least £3,000 to small businesses in sectors facing the worst economic impact of COVID-19.

1.6% rates relief for all properties across Scotland, effectively reversing the planned below inflation uplift in the poundage from 1 April 2020.

A fixed rates relief of up to £5,000 for all pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000 from 1 April 2020.

The Finance Secretary is also writing to all local authorities across Scotland, urging them to respond positively to requests from rate payers for payment deferrals for a fixed period.

Ms Forbes said:

‘COVID-19 will have challenging implications for businesses and the economy over the coming weeks and months.

‘The measures I’m announcing … will provide £320 million of assistance to Scottish business and ensures that all Non Domestic Rate consequentials we expect to receive from the UK Government associated with the COVID-19 outbreak will be used to provide Scottish business with support through what is likely to be a difficult time.

‘We continue to work closely with our partners to identify what further support is needed and I’d encourage any businesses with questions relating to the impact of COVID-19 to contact the helpline we launched this week.’

The business helpline number is 0300 303 0660. It will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm.