Business Restriction Grant Scheme now open to hotels

The Highland Council has welcomed clarification from the Scottish Government that hotels are eligible for the Business Restriction Grant.

As hotel restaurants and bars follow the same rules as other restaurants and bars with last entry at 21:30 and closure by 22:30, they have now been included as eligible businesses to receive grant from this scheme.  

Councillor Trish Robertson, Chair Economy and Infrastructure Committee explained: “We felt that the omission of hotels was unfair and asked the Scottish Government to clarify eligibility. This was received today (Tuesday 24 November 2020) and we now urge hotels to apply for this grant.” 

Paid every four weeks in arrears, grants of £1,400 or £2,100 are available dependent on Rateable Value.

To submit an application - hotels and all businesses in the licenced hospitality sector that are legally required to close earlier than normal, should visit the Council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/strategicframeworkfund and follow the guidance provided. The grant application process is straightforward. 

Councillor Robertson added: “The first grant payments will be made on 30 November for the first 4 week period since 2 November. If the restrictions apply for another 4 weeks then another grant will be paid automatically.

“If a business has not yet applied, like hotels, they will still be able to get a grant for the November period. So again, we urge all eligible businesses to take the 15 minutes required to read the guidance, gather the bank and business evidence required and to apply.”

For more information please visit www.highland.gov.uk/strategicframeworkfund
 
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