Two Surrey agents refused grant aid by their local council have hit out at the “unfair” government lockdown support scheme as Abta continues to lobby over the issue.
The Travellers Boutique in Cobham and Greenstar Travel in Claygate both applied to Elmbridge Borough Council for the Local Restrictions Support Scheme grant as the second lockdown began.
Most agents have been given grants, but Abta said it remained a “postcode lottery”.
Margaret Ridler, owner of family-run The Travellers Boutique, said Elmbridge council classed agents in the same category as accountants and solicitors. “We wouldn’t be so upset if all agents were in the same boat but this is inconsistent and unfair,” she said.
“I was banking on this £2,000 grant for rent. We’ve also had two bereavements among close family members and this added stress has made it unbelievably difficult.
“Our business will survive but this makes it more difficult. In April we got the retail grant and now we’re not classed as retail owners. Why has it changed?”
Agents were initially listed by the government as among non-essential shops that must close in November, but were then removed.
Greenstar owner Martyn Fisher said: “I’m very cross about not receiving the grant but more cross the government changed its guidance.”
The Travellers Boutique also applied for an Additional Restrictions Grant and Ridler contacted her local MP Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, but to no avail.
Elmbridge council insisted ‘travel services companies’ were not forced to shut but said grants would be made available “as quickly as possible” if government advice changed.
Other agents this week said they had received grants, including the director of Pole Travel in Greater Manchester. Jill Waite said: “It’s outrageous some haven’t had it.”
Abta, which contacted 386 councils – including Elmbridge – before the lockdown to highlight the importance of the grants, said it was helping members apply for alternative grants and has written to Paul Scully, minister for small business, amid concerns many agents have been “left to fall between the cracks”.
Abta’s director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge said: “We urge the government to remove the uncertainty by making clear to local authorities that travel agents qualify.”