Support for businesses due to COVID-19 restrictions

If your business is legally required to close, you may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Strategic Framework Business Fund.

From Saturday 26 December 2020, East Lothian is in Level 4.

Under Level 4 restrictions, businesses directly impacted, and specifically mentioned in Schedule 5 Level 4 of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, may be eligible for a Business Temporary Closure Grant.

Business Temporary Closure Grant

Premises with a Rateable Value of up to and including £51,000 may receive a grant of £2,000. Premises with a Rateable Value of £51,001 and over may receive a grant of £3,000. 

Grants are payable every four weeks in arrears for the duration protective measures are in place.

An upper four-weekly limit of £15,000 in grants applies to eligible businesses operating multiple premises.

A separate application form is required for each qualifying premises.

Eligibility criteria:

  • your business is required by law to close for the duration protective measures are in place
  • your business was trading on 2 November 2020
  • you have a dedicated business bank account (you will be required to provide your bank account details as part of the application process)
  • your business premises are registered for Business Rates (if you pay rates through your landlord rather than directly to the Council, you are still eligible to apply but must provide evidence of this arrangement through copy of your lease agreement)
  • your business has not breached wider COVID regulations/requirements prior to local restrictions being implemented on 2 November
  • your business is not connected to a tax haven, as set out in the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No. 2) Act 2020
  • the premises you are applying for are located in East Lothian
  • your business sector is listed in the Eligible Sectors table below

Business Sectors Eligible and Ineligible for a Business Temporary Closure Grant

Business Temporary Closure Grant
Eligible Sectors
Level 4

Business Temporary Closure Grant
Ineligible Sectors
Level 4
  • Accommodation
    • Hotels, B&Bs, Self-catering, Caravan and Camp Sites.

 
  • Hospitality
    • Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, social clubs.

 
  • Retail
    • Non-essential retail.
  • Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
  • Off licenses and licensed shops selling
    alcohol (including breweries).
  • Pharmacies (including non-dispensing
    pharmacies) and chemists.
  • Newsagents.
  • Petrol Stations, Car Repair and MOT
    Services, Bicycle Shops, Taxi or
    Vehicle Hire Businesses.
  • Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions, Short-term Loan Providers, Savings Clubs, Cash Points and undertakings which by way of business operate a currency exchange office, transmit money (or any representation of
    money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers.
  • Post Offices.
  • Funeral Directors.
  • Laundrettes and Dry Cleaners.
  • Dental Services, Opticians, Audiology Services, Chiropody Services, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health
  • Veterinary Surgeons and Pet Shops.
  • Agricultural Supplies Shops and Agricultural Markets.
  • Storage and Distribution Facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this sub-paragraph.
  • Car Parks.
  • Public Toilets, Livestock Markets or Auctions.
  • Close Contact Services
    • Hairdressers, Barbers, Beauticians, Tailors.

 
  • Sports and Exercise
    • Indoor Gyms, Swimming Pools, Dance Studios, Exercise Class/Yoga Studios.

 
  • Leisure and Entertainment
    • Cinemas, Arcades, Soft play, Funfairs, Indoor Bowling, Theatres, Comedy Clubs, Sports Stadiums, Conference or Exhibition Centres, Snooker/Pool Halls, Music Venues, Casinos, Bingo Halls, Nightclubs.

 
  • Visitor Attractions