Ministry of Economic Affairs suspends feedback procedure – further relief for small businesses under review
The Darmstadt Rhein Main Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce welcomes the moratorium on the return process for emergency aid measures imposed Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs
“It is good that the Hessian Minister of Economic Affairs has taken up the advice of the Hessian Chambers of Industry and Commerce as well as other business associations and companies with this temporary stop,” said Martin Proba , Head of the Business and Location Division of the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Relief for small businesses in sight
further relief can be provided for small businesses that were particularly affected during the lockdown, beyond the existing deferral regulations de minimis threshold raised from €500 to €1,000.
The current deadlines have been suspended, so companies do not need to take any action at this time. According to the ministry, no new notices will be issued. Should there be any changes to the procedure, notices already issued will also be reviewed.
Criticisms of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce
The Hessian Chambers of Industry and Commerce had particularly criticized:
- Too short response periods , without clearly communicated extension options
- Time of reclaim after five years , which many companies could not understand
- Failure to consider personnel costs and private deposits as equity
"What was difficult for companies that received coronavirus aid was that the funding conditions changed several times," Proba emphasized. Many businesses have not yet fully recovered economically. Furthermore, companies in southern Hesse have reported that the responsible regional council in Kassel is difficult to reach and that inquiries are often not adequately answered.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce sees the moratorium as an important step towards greater legal certainty and relief for companies in southern Hesse.
(Darmstadt - Red/IHK)
