Covid-19 (Economy)

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 21 April 2020.

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Photo of Kate Forbes Kate Forbes Scottish National Party

I agree with Annabelle Ewing that local authorities are working tirelessly just now to distribute business grants. As at 14 April, Scottish local authorities had approved more than 18,000 grants, at a value of £215 million, and the number is increasing daily.

I recognise that the grants are a lifeline. We have built into the guidance that we share with local authorities an element of discretion, and we continue to work closely with local authorities to monitor progress on the scheme and to identify where we can offer additional assistance.

On the process, I say first that local authorities regularly identify issues, which they and Scottish Government officials then consider more carefully in order to determine the right answers for businesses. Secondly, I expect every local authority to have a review or appeals process for situations in which the outcome has not been in favour of the business that applied.

We will keep monitoring the issues to ensure that as many businesses as possible get the support that they need.