Moray SNP News

MORAY MSP WELCOMES COVID BUSINESS FUNDS AND URGES PUBLIC TO GET VACCINATED

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT DELIVERING £100M FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR HARDEST HIT SECTORS

Richard Lochhead MSP has welcomed the First Minister’s announcement that the Scottish Government is making £100m of financial support available to businesses impacted public health measures in light of the new omicron variant.

Mr Lochhead is urging all constituents in Moray to play their part in limiting the spread of the new strain of the virus by following new guidance, testing regularly, and getting vaccinated.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said:

“Having spoken at length with business leaders in Moray I am only too well aware of the impact these vital public health measures are having on local businesses and their staff.

“Business now needs the type and scale of financial support that was available earlier in the pandemic and that can only come from the UK Government – which has borrowing powers that the devolved governments don’t.

“However, I do welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has now announced £100m of funding to support some of the sectors that will be hit hardest by current guidance.

“We’re seeing omicron spread much quicker than the delta variant did and we know omicron is now the dominant strain of the virus here in Scotland. Cases have already risen by more than 40% in the last week and we expect to see that trend continue in the days and weeks ahead.

“I absolutely recognise that people feel weary and fed up of having to deal with COVID – I feel the same – but it’s so important that we all continue to play our part in limiting the spread of the virus to keep our communities safe and to protect our NHS.

“I know it’s tough, but I’d urge everyone in Moray to follow the new public health guidance, to stay home as much as possible, to take a test before you go out, and to make sure you’re vaccinated and got your booster. To get through the difficult period ahead we’ll need a collective effort where we all do our bit.”

Of the £100 million of Scottish Government funding to help businesses:

• £66 million of this will go to the hospitality sector
• £8 million will go to the food and drink supply chain affected by hospitality cancellations – that includes wholesalers.  
• £20 million will go to the culture sector
• £3 million to the wedding sector
• £3 million to the worst affected parts of the tourism sector, including international inbound operators. 

Businesses can find out more here: Coronavirus support for Businesses in Scotland - Find Business Support