Coronavirus Scottish Government Update at 1530

Bank of England cuts interest rates to 0.1% – lowest point in history after emergency move
THE BANK of England has cut interest rates to 0.1 percent – its second major move in as many weeks.

Arrangements for those on free school meals
Education Secretary John Swinney said several things could be done for children from poor and vulnerable families who relied on things like free school meals.
He said there could be financial help.
Mr Swinney said vouchers for food were given in lieu of free school meals.
He said there would be flexibility across the country to meet different needs.
Mr Swinney said it would take some time to get these arrangements worked out.

Are schools staying open for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils?

The Scottish government and councils are working urgently on this issue. We won't necessarily hear more details today but it is something the Scottish government has been well aware of.
Indeed one of the reasons some within education were keen to keep schools open until the last possible moment was because they were all too aware of the important social role schools play, perhaps as safe spaces for those who are vulnerable and in the delivery of free school meals.
We have been talking to some councils who have been looking at options such as voucher systems such as we have seen on Shetland where schools have been closed since Monday.
Another thing some have been discussing is the possibility of cooking the free meals and then delivering them to the families. We are expecting clarity on these issues soon but perhaps not today.
Pubs and restaurants to be allowed to operate takeaway services

Planning Minister Kevin Stewart has announced that the Scottish Government will advise that pubs and restaurants should be allowed to operate takeaway services in response to coronavirus.

Read more https://www.gov.scot/publications/corona-virus-covid-19—relaxation-of-enforcement-where-public-houses-and-restaurants-offer-a-takeaway-service-during-the-current-outbreak-chief-planner-letter-march-2020/ “¦

£2.2bn package of support to help sustain businesses

The first minister says in total there is a £2.2bn package of support to help sustain businesses and help them pay their staff fairly. Ms Sturgeon explains the universal rates relief will be automatic. The 100% rates relief for hospitality will require an application, she explains. Discussions about the grant schemes are ongoing with the local authority umbrella body Cosla, the first minister adds.

Call for priority slots for older shoppers

Age Scotland has urged all food shops to support pensioners and disabled shoppers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Asda and Tesco stores across the country will join Sainsbury's and Iceland to set aside the first hour of opening exclusively for older and more vulnerable shoppers.
Age Scotland welcomed the initiative and urged others to follow their example.