Scottish Government Strategic Framework Business Fund – Temporary Closure and Business Restrictions Grants

It was announced at the weekend that for a period of 3 weeks from 26 December 2020, the whole of Scotland is to be placed into Level 4, with the exception of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles and the Islands which will be placed into Level 3.

Businesses who will now be forced to close or operate in a restricted way may be able to apply for grants from the Scottish Government Strategic Framework Business Fund – Temporary Closure and Business Restrictions Grants, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions.

• Businesses that are required by law to close will be eligible for a grant every 4 weeks, for as long as the restrictions last. The Temporary Closure Grant will either be £2,000 or £3,000 depending on rateable values.
• Businesses that can remain open, but that require to modify their operations by law, will also be eligible for a grant every 4 weeks, for as long as the restrictions last. The Business Restrictions Grant will either be £1,400 or £2,100, again based on rateable values.

Examples of businesses required to modify their operations by law will include those which have to close earlier than normal or where the demand for their products or services has been reduced because of the pandemic.

• Grants will be paid every 4 weeks in arrears as long as the restrictions last.
• You must have a business bank account. This is the account the grant will be paid into if the application is successful.
• The business premises must be registered for Non-Domestic rates.

Businesses that pay rates via their landlords, rather than directly to a Council, are eligible to apply but will need to provide evidence of this by submitting a copy of the lease agreement.

If your business operates multiple premises you can apply for a grant for each of them.

• Applications can be made by Limited Companies (including Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations), Sole Traders, Trusts and Partnerships provided they meet the eligibility conditions.
• Applications must be made via your local authority website

For full details please see our earlier blog:-

https://jsca.co.uk/scottish-government-strategic-framework-business-fund-temporary-closure-and-business-restrictions-grants/

The information in this blog provides only an overview of Scottish Government guidance and legislation in force at the date of publication and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed Scottish Government guidance and legislation or seeking professional advice.  Therefore no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this blog can be accepted by the firm.

Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash