Strategic Framework Business Fund grants approved

The Highland Council has now approved the first grants from the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Strategic Framework Business Fund so businesses should see these funds arrive in their account in the next few days.

These payments relate to the first period of Scotland’s Strategic Framework (tier) system – from 2 to 30 November and are designed to support those businesses impacted by protective measures. More specifically, it provides:

• A grant of £2,000 or £3,000 (depending on rateable value) for business required to close by law
• A grant of £1,400 or £2100 (depending on rateable value) for businesses that remain open but are specifically required by law to modify their operations

Unlike previous one-off grant schemes this scheme is directly related to the new Strategic Framework and means a business only has to apply once for the first 4-week period. Eligible businesses will then automatically receive further payments at the end of each 4-week period that the tiered protective measures are in place.

Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee Cllr Trish Robertson said: “We recognise the continued challenges many businesses face due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place so are pleased to be able to release the first set of grants from the new Strategic Framework Business Fund. However, we are also aware that many businesses entitled to apply have yet to do so and so would recommend that those who have not yet applied get their application to us so we can make payments as soon as possible for the November period.”

Businesses are asked to go to the Council’s COVID-19 Business Grant page on its website and check to ensure that they meet the full range of eligibility criteria. Eligible businesses are then asked to complete the online application form accurately and in full while ensuring that they submit the specified evidence.

Businesses eligible for the grant are those that have been obliged by law to close completely such as nightclubs, businesses obliged to close early because of the restrictions such as licenced hotels, restaurants and pubs and some event venues who have a legal cap set on the numbers of customers they can accept.

For more information please go to www.highland.gov.uk/strategicframeworkfund