Zoos: Government Assistance

(asked on 5th May 2020) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans his Department has to support zoos and aquariums that are unable to furlough their employees.


Answered by
Kemi Badenoch Portrait
Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
This question was answered on 11th May 2020

The Government announced a package of support for licensed zoo or aquariums in England on May 4. These businesses can apply for a grant of up to £100,000. The amount received will be based on animals’ needs and can be used to cover animal-care costs such as:

  • keepers’ wages
  • animal feed and bedding
  • veterinary care and medicines
  • electricity and heating
  • waste removal

Applications are being handled by The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Further details are available here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-apply-for-the-zoos-support-fund.

However, before applying for a grant these businesses must try to reduce costs or generate income in other ways, including applying for COVID-19 business support schemes and commercial and philanthropic funding.

The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply - https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support.

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