The Scottish Government on 23 October 2020 announced alongside the introduction of a levels approach, a new package of support to help businesses closed or impacted by protective measures. The levels and support which would be provided to businesses were set out in Covid-19 Scotland’s Strategic Framework.

Local authorities will administer the grants and will be responsible for delivering the funding to eligible businesses. The Scottish Government will fund local authorities to make these payments, providing information on funding levels and periods each time levels change.

These grants require an application. Application forms are available on individual council websites and should be filled in on-line and submitted through the council’s website (if available) or returned to councils by e-mail only.

Where restrictions are extended beyond a four-week period and the local authority remains at the same level of protection, a business does not need to re-apply and a grant will be automatically awarded for the next four week period.

This will initiate a new four-week cycle of payments for businesses that are newly eligible at a different level; businesses already eligible and receiving payments should be moved to the new four-weekly cycle through an adjusted payment taking account of both timeframes and the appropriate funds and rates. Local authorities should inform businesses of the change of circumstances and grant which they will be eligible for as a result of the change.

When restrictions end or reduce, any transitional or final payment in arrears will be adjusted to reflect the duration of the restrictions to the nearest week, where possible. Applications can be made up to 31 March 2021.

Councils will make payments no later than four weeks in arrears, subject to receiving a fully completed application form and any relevant supporting information required, and where the eligibility criteria have all been met.

Payments will only be made into the business bank account of the business. Local authorities are expected to offer an appeals process for applicants.

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