Rachael Hamilton MSP has ‘cautiously’ welcomed long overdue funding for children’s soft play centres but believes it does not go far enough in tackling the issue of reopening centres in the newly announced tiered system.
Soft play centres and nightclubs are to be given grants of up £50,000 to help them cope with the impact of the pandemic, since being closed since March.
Whilst many other businesses have been allowed to reopen, soft play centres were never included in the easing of restrictions, despite implementing rigorous Covid safety measures.
The Scottish Government has now announced support for soft play facilities and nightclubs, with grants linked to their rateable value.
Mrs Hamilton joined Anna Standing of Laughing Ducks Soft Play Centre, Coldstream earlier in the month to campaign for soft play centres to receive funding.
The Borders MSP is now pushing for the Scottish Government to offer clarity on a reopening date for soft play centres, and urging them to allow reopening in Tier 2 of the new restrictions.
The continued lack of clarity from the Scottish Government comes as no surprise as many confused businesses have been in contact with Mrs Hamilton throughout the pandemic. Mobile hairdressers were the most recent to face further confusion. While the Scottish Government’s complex Strategic Framework prohibits these businesses from operating in Tiers 2 and 3, more recent sector guidance on the Scot.gov website allows them to operate. For any in doubt, the latter should be followed.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“Soft play centres, which are vital for children and parents, have been badly let down by the SNP Government and I am pleased that these businesses will finally receive financial support.
“I know Anna of Laughing Ducks Soft Play and many other soft play businesses have been fighting hard for this long overdue support and the Scottish Government are starting to listen.
“That said, there is much more to be done. While the financial support is welcomed, soft play centres have been closed since March and the SNP must provide clarity surrounding the reopening of these centres in the newly announced tiered system.
“I am urging the Scottish Government to provide an indicative opening date and allow safe reopening in Tier 2."