Cash boost for the newly self-employed

Additional financial help is now available to help self-employed people in West Lothian.

Individuals who started their own business in the 2019/20 tax year (April 2019 to March 2020) can now apply for a one-off hardship payment of £2000 if they are suffering financial hardship due to Covid-19.

The funding has been available via the Scottish Government’s Hardship Fund. West Lothian Council is administering the application and distribution process in West Lothian.

For details on the criteria and how to apply visit: https://www.westlothian.gov. uk/article/55762/ Newly-Self-EmployedHardship-Fund-NSEHF

Executive councillor for development and transport, Cathy Muldoon, said: “I welcome this additional funding for self-employed people in West Lothian.

There are restrictions around who can apply but it should provide help and support for many local business people.”

There are several funding support packages on offer for local businesses including: grants for small businesses; grants for retail, hospitality and leisure business; business support funding and rates relief.

Councillor Muldoon added:“The scale of the challenges facing our economy are stark however, we must focus on supporting local businesses as best we can through this time.

“West Lothian Council has already administered over £18 million in payments from the Coronavirus Business Support Fund for the area ensuring local businesses are receiving financial support. That includes 1258 Small Business Grants and 128 retail, hospitality and leisure grants being awarded.”