Scottish Government has launched a helpline providing businesses (which includes small, local business and social enterprises) across Scotland with advice and guidance on COVID-19. The helpline will also help identify the current challenges facing businesses.

The helpline is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm on: 0300 303 0660. Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team.

On Monday 16^th March, Scottish Government also announced a £320 million support package to limit the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in Scotland during the 2020-21 financial year, including:

a 75% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of less than £69,000 from Wednesday 1^st April
an £80 million fund to provide grants of at least £3,000 to small businesses in sectors facing the worst economic impact of COVID-19
1.6% rates relief for all properties across Scotland, aiming to reverse the planned below inflation uplift in the poundage, from Wednesday 1^st April
a fixed rates relief of up to £5,000 for all pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000, again from Wednesday 1^st April

The Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes, will also write to all local authorities, urging them to respond positively to requests from rate payers for payment deferrals for a fixed period.

For further information, please visit the Scottish Government website.