Following the approval of the amendment to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill to include press publishers in the scope of the COVID-19 relief package, PPA wrote to Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, Fiona Hyslop MSP, to clarify how “news publishing” will be defined and ensure the inclusion of magazine publishers.
PPA called for non-discriminatory application of this extension to ensure the broad range of companies that deliver high-quality journalism and play a valuable role in providing communities with news, information and entertainment can continue do so.
The PPA said “This is extremely disappointing and a missed opportunity. We call for the Scottish Government to review the decision, and encourage Local Authorities to include magazine publishers in the scope of this relief package”.
PPA continues to lobby Westminster and Holyrood for the inclusion of magazine publishers in the business rates holiday scheme.