Grants and Funding Archives - Page 2 of 11

First Minister’s Update 5th January 2022

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Fiona Campbell

In a virtual sitting of the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon provided a Covid-19 update covering the following:

Setting out the latest statistics, the First Minister stated that 16,103 positive cases were reported yesterday, 1,223 were in hospital with Covid, 42 were in intensive care, and there were a further 5 deaths, taking the total number of deaths under the daily definition to 9,872. The FM added that, due to the omicron variant, tomorrow’s figures would likely show that Scotland would pass 1m reported Covid cases.
She confirmed that there would be no additional measures introduced by the Scottish Government but that existing measures, such as 1m social distancing in hospitality, limitations on event numbers and closure in nightclubs, would likely remain in place until 17 January. In addition, while this is not legally binding, the Scottish Government would continue to advise the public to limit contact with people in other households as far as possible – and to limit the number of households in any indoor gathering to a maximum of 3.

She confirmed that the Scottish Government is working on a new strategic framework, expected to be published “within the next few weeks”, on new measures to manage Covid-19 which are “more proportionate and sustainable and less restrictive.”
The FM unveiled two changes to self-isolation rules, mirroring the approach taken in other parts of the UK, which would come into effect from midnight: (1) the self-isolation period for Covid cases would be cut from 10 days to 7, if people record two negative tests and have no symptoms; and (2) for close contacts of positive cases, the requirement to self-isolate will end and be replaced by a requirement to take a lateral flow test every day for 7 days.
Following on from her announcement last week on business support, the FM noted an allocation of a further £55m. This would include up to £28m to taxi and private hire drivers and operators, £19m supporting services such as beauticians and hairdressers, £5m for sport, and an additional £3m for tourism.

First Minister’s Update 29th December 2021 and Funding Update

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

Today the First Minister delivered a virtual statement to Parliament and confirmed that there would be no immediate changes to current protections or advice.

The First Minister said that the predicted wave of Omicron cases was rapidly developing and now accounts for 80% of all cases. Over the past week the number of reported cases of Covid has increased by 47% and it is reasonable to assume a steep increase in cases will be seen in the days and weeks ahead.

The First Minister also gave a breakdown of how £107 million is being allocated to support businesses impacted by the spread of the Omicron variant. The funding, which follows an initial £100 million lifeline package, means the Scottish Government has now allocated £207 million of the £375 million committed to business support. Following discussions with stakeholders, this latest package is targeted at the most affected sectors and payments will start in the new year.

The support package is broken down into:

· £32 million more for hospitality and leisure businesses

· £10 million targeting parts of the hospitality industry most severely affected by requirement for table service

· £5 million targeted support for nightclubs now required to close

· £27 million for culture, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance

· £17 million for events, due to impact of physical distancing and caps on attendance

· £16 million for existing public transport Covid support schemes to recognise impact on fare revenue

Final details of the funding available for each sector is being determined in discussion with business and sector organisations and will be published as soon as possible.

Hospitality businesses will be contacted by their local authority to access top up funding through the December and January Business Top Up. Self-catering and B&B providers are not eligible for this Top Up.

Parliamentary Questions

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

The following Parliamentary Questions have been tabled by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party:

To ask the Scottish Government what financial support is available to larger self-catering units, accommodating seven or more people, that are unable to trade viably due to the effect of Covid-19 household meeting restrictions.

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the financial support available to larger self-catering units accommodating seven or more people.

To ask the Scottish Government what impact Covid-19 household meeting restrictions have had on the self-catering industry and what engagement it has carried out with industry on this matter.

To ask the Scottish Government how much consequential funding it has received from the UK Government to support larger self-catering units.

Expected answer date: 22nd June.

https://external.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Simple&Keyword=self-catering&ExactPhrase=True&DateChoice=0&SortBy=DateSubmitted&ResultsPerPage=10