Highland MSP claims victory in campaign for more support for the owners of small B&Bs during coronavirus crisis
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MSP Edward Mountain has argued against restrictions on support for small B&B owners.
Conservative Edward Mountain launched a Help Our B&Bs campaign after hearing how many small business owners had been left unable to access grant support for the sector because they do not have a business bank account.
Scottish Government Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said the requirement was necessary in a bid to cut down on fraud, but now Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has said the government is working with local authorities to get support to businesses in that bracket.
Mr Mountain said: “Good news. I welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has finally heard the pleas from many small B&Bs across Scotland and, specifically, the Highlands and Islands.
“They need help and I trust the Scottish Government will now deliver.”
Inverness SNP MP Drew Hendry also called for more support for the sector this week after being contacted by a number of B&B owners.
“Given that there is no legal compunction for these small businesses to run from business bank accounts, many B&B proprietors choose to manage their accounts through their current personal account, or savings accounts, as a cost-cutting measure,” he said.
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