Some common issues from across the submissions received over the summer included:
further clarification from the Scottish Government on the guidance on which businesses can continue to operate in compliance with social distancing
many are frustrated by the complexity or lack of flexibility in eligibility criteria across support interventions
a need for different COVID-19 policy responses between urban and rural areas (e.g. around social distancing and business operation guidance, specific rural funding schemes)
concern that loans, deferrals (such as VAT) and payment holidays were not adequately supporting businesses as they created short- and medium-term debt that businesses were unwilling to take on with such future uncertainty
increased costs associated with social distancing requirements (flexi-plastic at tills, additional signage, additional cleaning, PPE, extra...