Rachael Hamilton MSP has called on the Scottish Government to provide local authorities with clarity over funding for B&Bs and self-catering properties.
In an answer to a parliamentary question by Rachael Hamilton, it was revealed that details of new funding, as part of the Strategic Framework Business Fund, have not yet been passed onto local authorities.
Despite the new funding being announced last week, local authorities cannot begin to allocate it straightaway.
Many businesses, such as B&Bs and self-catering properties have fallen through the cracks when the Scottish Government have put together packages of new support, often with eligibility criteria failing to meet their needs.
The Borders’ MSP has called on the Scottish Government to make sure it makes available details of new funds as soon as there are announced, to ensure that local authorities, like SBC, can begin to administering funding to businesses that need it urgently.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“Businesses want to receive the funding they deserve in earnest, it cannot be held up by red tape at Government level.
“When the SNP Government launch funding, there is a long delay between the announcement and businesses on the ground receiving it.
“For too long, many businesses, such as B&Bs and self-catering properties have fallen through the cracks.
“I urge the Scottish Government to speed up the process, many businesses have not received a single penny since the start of the pandemic.