Strategic Framework Business Fund – Business Restrictions Grant: FOI release

Information requested

Strategic Framework Business Fund – Business Restrictions Grant

Please provide me with a copy of the instruction provided to Local Authorities by the Scottish Government in relation to the implementation of the above fund.

Whilst I request copy of the instruction in its entirety I am particularly interested in any guidance that was provided by the Scottish Government in relation to the rejection criteria applied to businesses.

In the event that an alternative scheme was in operation prior to 2nd November 2020, please provide the Scottish Government’s instruction on dispersion of this scheme.

Response

I can confirm that the information you have requested is published on the Scottish Government website. I have pulled together the relevant links for your request.

The details of the Strategic Framework Business Fund from 2 November 2020 to date can be found here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Strategic Framework Business Fund - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). The guidance on eligibility criteria (i.e. rejection criteria) from Scottish Government to local authorities can be found in the eligibility section of the above link. The guidance for local authorities is also published here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): strategic framework business fund - information for local authorities - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

In line with the commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth and the Coronavirus (COVID-19): fair work statement, the Scottish Government has allocated funding to be administered by the local authority in order to support employees and businesses impacted by these additional restrictions.

From 2 November, the Strategic Framework Business Fund offers grants for businesses required to close by law, and grants for those businesses that remain open but are specifically required to modify their operations by law.

The business restrictions grant offers grants for eligible businesses specifically required to modify their operations by protective measures, as specified by law.

Prior to 2 November 2020, the Scottish Government published eligibility criteria for the coronavirus restrictions grant, this covered the period from 9 October – 2 November 2020. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Restrictions Fund - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

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