Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the combined effect of the zoo animals fund, furlough, VAT deferral, business rates relief, the business interruption loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of statutory sick pay, and ordinary hospitality and leisure grant funding on the financial stability of zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums; what representations he has received from zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums on the need for further Government support for the sector because of covid-19; if he will make it his policy to create a dedicated zoo recovery fund; and if he will make a statement.

I fully understand the pressure that the current coronavirus restrictions are placing on zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums. We know many of these organisations have been able to access the funding schemes the Government has provided to support businesses during the covid-19 pandemic, including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding. Feedback from the sector is that these have provided very welcome relief. We have received positive feedback from recipients of the Zoo Animals Fund on how the funding has supported organisations and their animals through this difficult time allowing them to continue to provide the best care for their animals and operate safely in these challenging times. The Zoo Animals Fund has been a lifeline for many organisations and small, medium and large zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums have been successful in securing funding under this scheme.

We keep all aspects of the Zoo Animals Fund constantly under review to ensure that it is meeting its aims to ensure the sector can deliver the best possible care for its animals. The application deadline for the Zoo Animals Fund is 26 February 2021 and funding is provided until the end of March 2021. Following feedback from stakeholders, changes were made to the Fund include extending the criteria to include maintenance costs, introducing the ability to apply ahead of reaching 12 weeks reserves and most recently extending the application deadline. Defra officials are in close, regular contact with BIAZA (British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums) and the CEOs of the largest charitable zoos to enable us to fully understand the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on the sector and any asks on future support. We will continue to engage with the sector and provide updates as situations change.