Abta is lobbying at “the highest levels” to reverse a government ruling that makes travel agents in England ineligible for grants if they have to close their shops.
The association has been supporting agencies to secure financial support from local councils across the UK, as some have received payments while others have not.
Luke Petherbridge (pictured), Abta’s director of public affairs, said: “The Scottish government and Northern Ireland Executive have replied to letters sent by Abta to confirm that retail agents affected by orders to close are eligible for grant support, and we are confident that grants are being received successfully in Wales, as the structure of those schemes differs slightly and travel businesses should clearly be eligible.”
However, he added: “For agents based in England, the Westminster government has informed Abta it will not be revising the existing guidance which makes travel agents ineligible to receive grant support, so we are focused on raising this at the highest levels to ensure those mistakes are not repeated for businesses forced to close in tier 4 of the latest restrictions.
“Abta does not see why agents in England should be discriminated against and has written to all MPs to highlight the current position, as well as to enlist their help in calling for tailored support for the sector.”
He said Abta continues to work with the Scottish government to establish specific grants schemes for travel agents and tour operators.
“We are calling on all parts of the UK to match that funding, and Abta has written to the prime minister, as well as the first ministers in Wales and Northern Ireland, to make that case,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Surrey agents who have been applying for financial support have seen mixed fortunes.
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.
The Travellers Boutique has received a one-off payment of £2,500 but Greenstar Travel has not yet been successful.
Petherbridge said: “Abta member, The Travellers Boutique, has now received grant aid from Elmbridge Borough Council following support from Abta’s public affairs team, which is very welcome.”
Margaret Ridler, owner of The Travellers Boutique, said: “The grant we received was the Additional Restrictions Grant which is for businesses not legally mandated to close but who have suffered significant trading losses as a result of being in Tier 3 and national lockdown.
“We had to chase this numerous times with Elmbridge who, having not heard back from government on which grant we were entitled to, decided to pay this grant.
“Travel agencies should be classed the same in terms of grants payable. “
Agents in Cheshire have also seen mixed fortunes in their bid for grants.
Richard Slater, proprietor of Henbury Travel in Macclesfield, is also the northwest chair of Abta and has been helping fellow agents to secure grants from councils.
He has received £1,334 from the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme from Cheshire East Council after lobbying his Conservative MP David Rutley about the dire situation faced by agents.
He urged agents to continue with pressure on MPs and councils, saying: “Do not give up on the grants, be very clear and remind politicians and councils.”
Petherbridge agreed, saying: “Abta’s advice to members remains to consider applying for grants in all tiers where there are relevant restrictions.
“Those that are refused a grant under the Localised Restrictions Support Grants scheme in England should consider the Additional Restrictions Grants scheme.”