An Aberdeenshire MP has accused the Scottish Government of “overlooking” veterinary practices in arranging lifeline financial assistance, amid concerns that north-east firms could be forced into closure.
In a letter to Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Andrew Bowie, asked for “urgent clarification” on whether vets will receive support.
The move comes after Mr Bowie was contacted by a business in his constituency which has experienced a massive financial blow as a result of lockdown.
The company in question, which asked to remain anonymous, has been forced to close three of its six practices and place half of its staff on furlough.Andrew Bowie believes the veterinary profession has been overlooked
Questions were raised by Mr Bowie as to whether the sector was being “overlooked”, and if rates relief and small business grants to firms in hospitality, retail and tourism would also be afforded to veterinary practices to continue their important work.
Mr Bowie said: “The veterinary profession has so far been overlooked in the Scottish Government’s support package to businesses.
“Practices up and down the country have found themselves in a unique position.
“Having to operate whilst experiencing a sometimes overwhelming loss of income, all whilst continuing to provide the best care and treatment for animals.”
He added: “Since lockdown, on March 24, my constituent’s turnover has dropped by about 80% and although they have placed around 50% of their staff on furlough, they still have to pay the remaining staff, drug purchases, business rates etc – from a greatly reduced income.
“Please can you also provide urgent clarification on this issue and make the changes required to allow them to access this support.”
The British Veterinary Association last night appealed for Holyrood ministers to offer the profession the same help which has been given to other sectors.
Daniella Dos Santos, BVA President, said: “While BVA welcomes the government’s promise of an economic lifeline for many businesses, we are extremely concerned that these measures don’t currently extend to the veterinary profession.
“Veterinary practices are a mainstay in our communities providing a critical service to keep the UK’s animals healthy as well as supporting public health and wellbeing.
“We are asking for an assurance from governments across the UK that veterinary practices will also be included in the scope for support and recognised as a business critical service.
“Veterinary practices make such a valuable contribution to health and wellbeing at the heart of communities, so they need to be offered the same safety net that other businesses have been promised in the unpredictable times ahead.”
In Scotland, vets are still able to provide emergency services to patients and renew prescriptions, while obeying social distancing guidelines.
Much like dentist practices, new systems have been put in place to assess patients, such as phone consultations and emergency procedures taking place whilst owners wait outside in their cars.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said vets could save money by applying for rates relief.
She said: “We are determined to help keep companies in business and our financial support now exceeds the £2.3 billion passed on from the UK Government and actively works to fill the gaps in the UK scheme.
“We have offered a package of support worth £2.3bn which includes 1.6% rates relief for all non-domestic properties in 2020-21 – including veterinary practices – and 100% relief for properties in retail, hospitality, leisure and airports.”