Neale Hanvey MP welcomes the Scottish Government announcement of around £220 million of further grants to help businesses and the recently self-employed through the coronavirus pandemic.
The extra support includes £120 million to extend the Small Business Grant scheme to offer, on top of the 100% grant on the first property, 75% grants on all subsequent properties.
This follows criticism of the Scottish Government for offering different levels of support to businesses in Scotland to what is available to companies south of the border.
But with the UK Government allocating funds based on population share, rather than on business need, Scottish businesses have been short-changed by the UK Treasury.
Commenting, Neale said:
“This is very welcome news of extra support for businesses in the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency.
“It’s been desperately sad to see iconic businesses like Carlton Bakeries close their doors for good in the last couple of weeks.
“The initial support offered by the UK Government has been slow and insufficient.
“That is why this week I wrote a joint letter to the Chancellor, signed by thirty-five MPs from across several political parties, to urge him to do everything he can to improve what has been offered to the business community and accelerate the delivery of financial support.
“It is encouraging to see the Scottish Government stepping up and doing what’s necessary to see businesses through this uncertain time.”