FOI/202000130544 · FOI · unclear
Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund (CTHEHF) criterion: FOI release
Information requested
In relation to the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund (CTHEHF):
'I would be obliged if you would confirm that the Scottish Government did indeed set this criterion and provide me with the details as minuted in the records of the relevant meeting where the decision was made. can you please provide as much information as possible on who and why the criterion of having a business bank account was set.'
Response
We developed these schemes and the principles that underpinned them at pace, to provide vital support to businesses as quickly as we could. However, we were still distributing public funds and had a responsibility to ensure that we took appropriate steps to minimise the risk of fraudulent claims.
In order to reduce fraud risk in the use of public funds, we considered that the inclusion of a requirement for enterprises seeking support through these funds to have a business bank account was proportionate, and would help us to manage the risk of fraud.
This decision was taken at a Working Group, involving all partners including the Scottish Government.
Included at Annex A, is the decision paper on the ineligibility of personal bank accounts for this Fund.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.