Previously, Scottish Government insisted no one who had not been invited to reapply should do so – now they are saying if you have heard nothing in particular since 16th-19th Feb – you should call the helpline number and ask if you application is still in the system!.
They say the reason for this is because 1800 re-invites have been sent out for which the people have still yet to reapply; claiming these emails must be in spam boxes unchecked.
Naturally I refuted this advising applicants need these grants are checking inboxes and spam boxes and constantly refreshing them.
I have advised that the phoneline 0300 303 0660 is inadequately staffed – I have tried it several times at different times of the day for it to remain unanswered or ring engaged! I asked how many call handlers are taking theses calls and during what hours, again this seems to be a big unknown to those that are supposed to be administering the shambles! For your own clarity that phone line does not go to Scot. Gov. or UMi. Instead they are answered by Scottish Enterprise thus adding another partner delay!
Total applications to date are now in excess of 22,000 with 4200 of those being applicants that have been invited to reapply and have already done so.
In respect of a Scot Gov representative joining our group and the suggestion made that I sent over screenshots – I have advise They all need to be seen! I do not have enough hours in the day and they are numerous and all relevant. Additionally we do not share outside of the group because is it a safe space.
Awaiting an update now on that! – have been waiting since first raised on 22nd Feb!
I am meeting them again at 5pm on Tuesday the day the fund closes.
NEW APPLCATIONS CLOSE ON TUESDAY 23RD MARCH AT 23.59
Here’s the flannel from Scot Gov – but I prefer to share it with you in it’s totality – in instances where I have not been gagged!
Given some of the figures have been included in this email I can only assume someone higher up the pecking order had a word!
IRO comment about Scot Gov not being able to prioritise applicants we have referred – I explained I didn’t not consider that those still languishing in the process;- especially those from 16-19th Feb had received any prioritisation, just wholly unacceptable and uniformed delays which is impacting them greatly.
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“I thought it would be helpful to provide a general update and then address some of the specific issues which have not been fully addressed through previous exchanges.
Naturally I refuted this advising applicants need these grants are checking inboxes and spam boxes and constantly refreshing them.
I have advised that the phoneline 0300 303 0660 is inadequately staffed – I have tried it several times at different times of the day for it to remain unanswered or ring engaged! I asked how many call handlers are taking theses calls and during what hours, again this seems to be a big unknown to those that are supposed to be administering the shambles! For your own clarity that phone line does not go to Scot. Gov. or UMi. Instead they are answered by Scottish Enterprise thus adding another partner delay!
Total applications to date are now in excess of 22,000 with 4200 of those being applicants that have been invited to reapply and have already done so.
In respect of a Scot Gov representative joining our group and the suggestion made that I sent over screenshots – I have advise They all need to be seen! I do not have enough hours in the day and they are numerous and all relevant. Additionally we do not share outside of the group because is it a safe space.
Awaiting an update now on that! – have been waiting since first raised on 22nd Feb!
I am meeting them again at 5pm on Tuesday the day the fund closes.
NEW APPLCATIONS CLOSE ON TUESDAY 23RD MARCH AT 23.59
Here’s the flannel from Scot Gov – but I prefer to share it with you in it’s totality – in instances where I have not been gagged!
Given some of the figures have been included in this email I can only assume someone higher up the pecking order had a word!
IRO comment about Scot Gov not being able to prioritise applicants we have referred – I explained I didn’t not consider that those still languishing in the process;- especially those from 16-19th Feb had received any prioritisation, just wholly unacceptable and uniformed delays which is impacting them greatly.
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“I thought it would be helpful to provide a general update and then address some of the specific issues which have not been fully addressed through previous exchanges.
As of this morning, almost 11,000 applications have been assessed and paid, totalling £43.7 million in support. This includes over 1,500 driving instructors, 1,900 hairdressers, and 1,500 beauticians, and 780 massage therapists. This is welcome, and demonstrates clearly that our delivery partner, UMI Scotland, continues to work at pace to assess and process applications in accordance with the eligibility criteria and information requirements that we set out when establishing these funds. Over 60% of eligible applications have been processed and paid, and we will continue to do all we can to address some more complex cases applications which have been in the system longer than most. Reference numbers should not be viewed as an indication of when an application will be processed and concluded. As I have signalled before, next week we plan to start publishing statistics on these two schemes formally, aligned with an established and wider process designed to deliver openness and transparency in relation to all our COVID-19 business support grants. I will send you links, when published, but I am of course happy to continue to provide these updates too. And please feel free to share this information with your Excluded UK community.
As highlighted in previous updates, all applicants that were affected by technical issues when the funds first launched were given an opportunity to reapply last month. This includes applicants who were wrongly advised that their application was unsuccessful because the existence of their business could not be verified online using sources such as 123, yell, social media, google search or trade directories. A large number of unsuccessful applications are due to some of the required information not being provided, incorrect information being submitted and/or because, based on the information provided, we are unable to verify the applicant’s bank account or personal identity. Around 6,000 such applicants have now been invited to reapply and most have done so. I recognise of course the stress this has likely caused some applicants and in considering applications we are seeking to balance our aim of reaching as many eligible applicants as possible against the need to reduce the risk of fraud.
In order to address unfounded rumours, let me make clear, in writing, that our delivery partner UMI Scotland has confirmed that every applicant has been emailed directly since submitting their application and, at no point, have applications been lost. This is one of your earlier, specific asks.
For the avoidance of doubt, UMI Scotland as outlined above, has emailed around 6,000 individuals whose initial application was not fully evidenced to invite them to reapply – around 34% of the total of individuals that have applied so far. 4,200 (70%) have responded to that invitation so far, and many have been paid. I know that some of the 1,800 remaining are contacting the helpline to say they have not heard anything, and they are being advised that emails had been issued to them inviting them to reply – so the follow-on from that is that they are being actively encouraged to take that second chance to apply. I would ask you to share that information with members who may be in that category and encourage them to call the helpline for advice.
We are of course approaching the (extended) closing date for both funds. Any application submitted before 23:59 on 23 March will be considered and all re-applications made before then, or within seven days of an applicant being invited to re-apply, will be considered. For clarity, no wholly new applications will be considered after 23 March. I would again offer assurance that all applications will receive funding if eligible and the required information is provided. Any applicant that has started the process and is in the system before the closing date will be considered for funding. I would be grateful if you could please relay that assurance to your members.
I trust this is helpful.
Turning now to your specific asks, and having reviewed your e-mails, my understanding is that you now have information or responses on all but two points
I have spoken to Richard about your suggestion that someone from Scottish Government would join your group in an observing capacity only. Our shared understanding is that we welcomed the invitation and agreed to consider further. I have some concerns about how that proposal fits with our published Social media policy – gov.scot (www.gov.scot), and I am taking advice on that. For now, can I suggest you send screenshots of Facebook discussions you want me to particularly aware of, as context.
Also, as you have recognised, I cannot provide specific feedback on individual cases, but I appreciate your continuing advocacy of Mr XXXXX in particular, and of course the other cases you have highlighted. I cannot of course prioritise your members’ applications over others, or make exceptions relating to the published criteria and requirements. However, action is being taken, and some of your members may now have payments confirmed.”
Also, as you have recognised, I cannot provide specific feedback on individual cases, but I appreciate your continuing advocacy of Mr XXXXX in particular, and of course the other cases you have highlighted. I cannot of course prioritise your members’ applications over others, or make exceptions relating to the published criteria and requirements. However, action is being taken, and some of your members may now have payments confirmed.”
