Status: 10.03.2021 8:18 a.m.
In Hamburg, companies are still waiting for promised Corona aid money from the state – for over four months. The November aid has still not been paid out to all of the businesses affected by the lockdown. That causes frustration.
“We are on the home straight,” asserts Hamburg’s Senator for Finance Andreas Dressel (SPD), not for the first time. More than 96 percent of requests for November and December aid have therefore been processed. In most cases, the entire amount has already been paid out. Unfortunately, however, a delay caused by the federal software was not able to catch up as quickly as hoped. According to Dressel, the Ministry of Economic Affairs made this software available late, so that the applications could not be processed until late in Hamburg.
In addition, a three-digit number of applications would have caused problems – due to incorrect bank details or other software problems.
AUDIO: Waiting for the November help (1 min)
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Many have already spent aids again
On the other hand, there are restaurateurs who have since received all of the help. According to information from NDR 90.3, some of this money has already been completely spent – especially for outstanding rents or other fixed costs. It is all the more important for bar, restaurant and hotel operators in Hamburg that they are no longer dependent on promises of aid. They want to be able to open their houses to guests again and earn money themselves.
The industry had reacted with great displeasure to the easing steps decided at the last federal-state round, in which it was hardly considered. A cautious opening of the outdoor catering is conceivable from March 22nd at the earliest. However, many companies do not have outdoor catering. When the interiors of restaurants, bars and pubs will be opened will only be discussed by the federal and state governments at the next Corona summit. This is planned for March 22nd.
Payment stop due to suspected fraud
At the federal level, the disbursement of state corona aid has meanwhile been partially stopped. Reason is a Suspected fraud. Strangers are said to have allegedly sneaked money under false identities. According to the media report, millions of dollars could have been lost. The prosecutor is investigating.
Further information
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