Angus SNP branches made to return £20k in Covid support
Angus SNP branches have been made to hand back £20,000 in Covid business support after applications to the local council.
Both Arbroath and the Montrose branch had made successful £10 k business support grant applications to Angus Council in July last year for help under the lifeline scheme.
However, they have now been told grants do not go to political parties and been ordered to refund the money.
Arbroath West and Letham SNP councillor Alex King explained: “The rules at the outset did not state that the local branch offices of political parties were not entitled to receive business support grants. As the branch treasurer I made an application for the grant to Angus Council, based on the rules as they appeared at the time, which was accepted as valid with a grant of £10,000 being awarded.
“Last week I received a letter from [Angus Council finance director] Ian Lorimer requesting that the branch repay that £10,000 as we were not entitled to receive it. Arrangements to repay the £10,000 were immediately set in motion and after some considerable difficulties at the bank, the grant has been repaid by bank transfer as requested by the council.
“It is a pity that these rules regarding political parties were not avail a blew he ni applied for the grant as this situation could then have easily been avoided.”
An angus council spokesman said: “We do not comment on individual grant applications, but should we become aware of any issues, we would seek to remedy the situation as appropriate.”