Scottish Government Changes Grant Funding Eligibility For Self-Caterers

Following lengthy discussions between the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, Scottish Government and other stakeholders, the ASSC can now report that the guidance for self-catering eligibility for grant support has been amended.

“Self-catering accommodation and caravans are considered eligible for grant funding if receipts represent a primary source (for example, one third or more) of earnings for the ratepayer and the property has been let out for 140 days or more in financial year 2019-20.”

The ASSC has been in high level discussion with the Scottish Government throughout today to ensure that this new amendment would work for the sector.

We highlighted several issues with the criteria and requested that these were considered.  We also suggested that Local Authorities were provided with guidance as to the evidence they could request.

Following conversations throughout the day, we now understand that the Scottish Government are not being prescriptive in guidance to local authorities about how meeting the income criteria can be evidenced, nor are they minded to relax the criteria any further.

Local Authorities may specify any additional evidence they require (e.g. records of bookings, a copy of public liability insurance cover or a website) in order to confirm eligibility.

We have now assessed current guidance across a variety of local authorities:

Some have not updated the new guidance, some are asking for self-assessment tax returns for 2019-20, and some are asking for proof of occupancy from 6th April 2019 to 5th April 2020. Others are asking for additional evidence….

As you can appreciate, the financial year has not ended, and bookings for March/April 2020 are non existent.

We had hoped to issue a supportive and celebratory statement this evening.

Unfortunately, what we are left with is:

• A lack of parity of support with other self-caterers in the rest of the UK,
• Self-catering requires additional eligibility compared to any other small business in Scotland,
• In addition we are now looking at a lack of parity on eligibility criteria across 32 local authorities.

We have advised that local authorities are already experiencing unprecedented levels of pressure in terms of resource and in implementing new initiatives. Having to audit these additional eligibility criteria will add further unnecessary burden to both local authorities and operators.  We will continue to discuss these issues with the Scottish Government tomorrow.

Fiona Campbell

Chief Executive

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers