Cabinet Secretary for Finance Outlines Support for Cultural Sector

 

Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, wrote to Joan MacApline MSP, Convenor of Culture Committee at Scottish Parliament, on 15 April 2020.

The letter is a response to The Committee’s communications with Government on 6 April 2020 seeking written updates on the impact COVID-19 is having on the cultural and tourism sectors and individuals employed within those sectors.

The letter acknowledges that the Covid-19 outbreak is having a profound effect on the culture and heritage sectors in Scotland, and outlines support for individuals & organizations provided so far.

We know that many parts of the culture sector and the creative industries operate on fine financial margins, and the impact of the pandemic has been immediate and severe.
— Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance

On 18 March 2020, ScotGov announced a package of support worth £2.2 billion to limit the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. These new measures include;

  • 100% rates relief for the retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation sectors

  • one-off £10,000 grants to a range of businesses in receipt/or eligible for of Small Business Bonus Scheme (as well as some other specific funds and reliefs)

  • £25,000 one-off grants to businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value between £18-51,000

An update to this support was announced on 15 April. The Business Grant funding is targeted to small businesses and medium sized businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure. Creative organisations meeting the eligibility criteria should apply through their local authority website.

The package of grant scheme measures is being administered by local authorities. (...) We are using the Non-Domestic Rates system to distribute support because it is the fastest, most effective way to reach businesses.
— Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance

The letter also highlights other sources of support are available for the cultural sector (and third sector).

  • Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund: one-off bursary payment of between £500 and £2,500. For freelance artists or creative practitioners who have lost earnings as a result of COVID-19.

  • Creative Scotland's Open Fund: up to £50,000. For Individuals and organisations explore ways of working that will help them to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances.

  • The Third Sector Resilience Fund is a £20m emergency fund for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations working in Scotland.

The letter closes “I hope this response reassures you that we are doing all that we can, and the Scottish Government will continue to monitor its position and work with the UK Government to consider where further support may be required.”.

The full letter (PDF) can be read following the link below.

All correspondence with the CTEEA Committee is available on the Committee webpage here - https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/100296.aspx

Impact Survey

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