Business Updates December 2020

Update 4th January 2021
– The First Minister’s Statement introducing new tougher Level 4 lockdown measures for Scotland

Update 22nd December 2020

TIER 4 LOCKDOWN FROM 26TH DECEMBER – GRANT APPLICATION UPDATES

With Highland going into Tier 4 on 26th December a wide range of businesses should be able to apply to the Scottish Government’s Business Temporary Closure Fund for grant aid which will be delivered by the Highland Council.

Having spoken with the Highland Council they are looking to publish information on eligibility and grant arrangements in the week commencing 4th January 2021.

Highland Council is keen to stress that as these grants are paid 4 weeks in arrears, no business which had to temporarily close will lose out on the grant as the payments will be backdated to the 26thDecember when payment is made at the end of January.

As you may be aware the Temporary Closure Grant is a grant scheme for businesses required to close or modify their operations and is paid every 4 weeks in arrears:

– £2,000 if your business premises has a rateable value of up to and including £51,000

– £3,000 if your business premises has a rateable value of £51,001 or above

– An upper limit of £15,000 in total in any four-week period will apply to any eligible business operating multiple premises.

Below is a schedule of the businesses that we are informed should be eligible to apply for the Temporary Closure Grant:

Accommodation Hotels, B&Bs, Self-catering, Caravan and Camp Sites

Hospitality Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, social clubs

Retail Non-essential retail (which specifically excludes food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops; off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries); pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists; newsagents; homeware, building supplies and hardware stores; petrol stations, car repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, taxi or vehicle hire businesses, banks, building societies, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs, cash points and undertakings which by way of business operate a currency exchange office, transmit money (or any representation of money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers; post offices; funeral directors; laundrettes and dry cleaners; dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody services, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health; veterinary surgeons and pet shops; agricultural supplies shops and agricultural markets; storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this sub-paragraph; )car parks; public toilets, livestock markets or auctions; garden centres, plant nurseries, outdoor markets, and outdoor car lots)

Close contact servicesHairdressers, Barbers, Beauticians, Tailors

Sports & ExerciseIndoor gyms, swimming pools, dance studios, exercise class/yoga studios.

Leisure and EntertainmentCinemas, Arcades, Soft play, Funfairs, Indoor bowling, Theatres, comedy clubs, sports stadiums, conference or exhibition centres, Snooker/pool halls, Music venues, Casinos, Bingo halls, Nightclubs.

Visitor Attractions