MSP ASKS LEADER TO HELP FIRMS

Lamont in plea to ensure funds reach companies without delays

COUNCIL leader Susan Aitken must help Glasgow businesses struggling during the pandemic by challenging the Scottish Government, a Labour MSP has said.

Johann Lamont said she has been inundated with calls from firms who are no longer getting funding or have received no cash at all since the first lockdown in March.

The Glasgow MSP is urging Ms Aitken to intervene with SNP colleague, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, to “ensure funds reach Scottish businesses without delay”.

Ms Aitken said she is in “constant communication” with the Scottish Government so that funds can be “accessed as efficiently as possible”.

But she added overall support remains dependent on the UK Government and said Ms Lamont should join her in calling for “urgent action”.

In a letter to Ms Aitken, the Labour representative said businesses affected include taxi drivers, dance schools, wedding services suppliers, mobile catering and events firms, photographers, driving instructors and cleaning companies.

She wrote some firms who did receive funding in April are “now being informed that they are not eligible for further funding”.

Ms Lamont added others, who have never received money, have been told their business is not included in the government guidelines or is included but the council’s interpretation of the guidelines results in a ruling against the application.

Another reason given has been the business address is a residential property which does not pay non-domestic rates.

Ms Lamont said: “Glasgow needs strong voices to make sure the livelihoods and future of local businesses do not go under during this pandemic.

“On a daily basis I am hearing from constituents worried about how their business will survive, worried about how they will support their families and pay their bills.

“It is vital that the SNP acts now to ensure that funds reach Scottish businesses without delay. The loss of local businesses and employers will leave a permanent scar on Glasgow’s recovery and economy.”

Councillor Aitken said she is “acutely aware” of the pressures facing city firms. “We are continuing to deploy additional staff and resources to ensure that the funds we administer – which have totalled more than £134 million so far – are accessed as efficiently as possible. “Ultimately, though, the overall support available to businesses remains dependent on the UK Government.”

She added: “Everyone with an interest in Glasgow’s economy urgently needs much more clarity on how funds will be distributed to the devolved administrations – or, better still, when Scotland will get the borrowing powers that are necessary to get on with securing a lasting economic recovery.

“I think it would be welcomed by Glasgow’s businesses if Ms Lamont and all of the city’s parliamentarians added their voices to mine in calling for that urgent action.”