Funding for soft play centres and nightclubs welcomed by north-east MSP
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One-off funding grants for both soft play centres and nightclubs affected by closure due to the coronavirus pandemic have been welcomed by Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin.
It comes after businesses were forced to shut in March in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Now one-off grants of up to £50,000 will be available to businesses in both sectors through the Scottish Government’s contingency fund.
The grants will be based on the rateable value, and businesses operating multiple premises will be eligible to claim one full grant plus grants of up to 75 per cent on subsequent properties.
Guidance is also expected to help soft play centres prepare for re-opening when it is safe to do so.
The guidelines has been developed in partnership with clinical experts, regulators, trade unions and industry representatives.
Ms Martin said: “We know both nightclubs and soft play centres have been hit badly after having to close due to the pandemic.
“The Scottish Government grants take account of these exceptional and unfortunate circumstances they have faced since March.
“Local authorities will be contacting businesses directly to get the information needed to progress their claim and I would urge those who may be eligible to look at what they could be entitled to.”
The rateable value for grants thresholds will be as follows £18,000 or under up to £10,000 in funding; between £18,001 and £51,000 – £25,000 and above £51,001 – £50,000
Funding has been made available for soft play centres and nightclubs through the £11 million Covid-19 Contingency Fund.
This is part of the package of more than £40 million support for businesses affected by the latest coronavirus restrictions.
Premises will not be eligible if they have opened at all since March – for example by changing their licence to open as a pub – and awards may be reduced if companies successfully apply to the Cultural Organisations and Venue Recovery Fund.
Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: "Unlike the majority of businesses, they have not been allowed to open since March.
"These grants will provide a boost as we continue to tackle the virus.
“We don’t want any business to remain closed for a day longer than is necessary but public health is paramount.
"Unfortunately we are at a critical point with infection levels rising again and it is not safe to lift restrictions on these activities."
