Scotland's Economy

Increasing funding for small accommodation providers

March 4, 2021 by Rebecca Macdonald No Comments | Category Business

Funding to support small accommodation providers impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been expanded.

Eligible Bed & Breakfasts, guesthouses, small serviced accommodation providers and other self-catering businesses that pay council tax can now access the new Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund (SAP-CTF).

The fund will provide support to eligible businesses who have not been able to access support through the Strategic Framework Business Fund as a result of not being registered on Non-Domestic Rates. It has been developed in recognition that small accommodation providers paying council tax face the same challenges from COVID-19 as B&Bs.

Businesses that are in scope for the fund and submit a complete application form will be eligible to receive the equivalent of the Strategic Framework Business Fund, back-dated to January 2021. This represents £2,000 every four weeks whilst remaining in Level 4. Local Authorities will be responsible for delivering the fund and will target businesses that have been in scope previously for other funds.

Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“Tourism is central to the Scottish economy, and B&Bs, guesthouses, self-catering and other small accommodation providers are the backbone of much of our accommodation provision, particularly in rural areas. Although many small accommodation providers will already be receiving support via the Strategic Framework Business Fund, I am pleased to announce the expansion of a scheme to provide equivalent support to such providers who pay council tax.

“Widening the scope of the existing fund for B&Bs who pay council tax will ensure that support reaches as many eligible businesses as possible. It is intended to ensure that we reach as wide a range of businesses as we can and we will continue to review the support that is in place and will work with businesses to explore all options. Councils have been working at pace to develop and deliver this support and we expect payments to start as soon as possible.”

Background

Details of how businesses can access support are available on the Find Business Support website.

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