Covid amnesty could see £186K repaid to government

16 businesses pledge to return support payments

More than £186,000 of taxpayers’ money looks set to be returned to the Isle of Man Government following a Covid-19 amnesty.

Sixteen businesses have pledged to return the sum, of £186,059.99, following a review of financial assistance schemes operated during the pandemic.

So far £95,575.65 has been received.

Thirteen businesses have voluntarily started repayment plans and 14 requested further information to help them decide if they need to give anything back.

The Department for Enterprise is reviewing support which was handed out via the following eight schemes:

• Hospitality Transition Support Scheme
• Fisheries Industry Support scheme
• Coronavirus Business Support Scheme
• Strategic Capacity Scheme
• Coronavirus Business Adaption Scheme
• Salary Support Scheme
• December Disruption Scheme (DDS)
• Winter Disruption Scheme (WDS)

The 20-day amnesty, which started in July, required no reason to be given – or recorded – in respect of any individual or business choosing to repay money.

Fourteen individuals requested further information to see if it was appropriate for them to repay any funding but no one has come forward to state that they did incorrectly claim.

The Department for Enterprise says so far no money has been identified as being fraudulently obtained however several investigations remain ongoing.

The information was released to Manx Radio following a Freedom of Information request – you can find more HERE.