Problems related to the HoReCa support program have affected enterprises struggling with the effects of Covid-19 pandemic. Reports of cases in which KPO money was allocated for purposes, such as the purchase of company yachts, aroused suspicion as to the transparency of the use of funds. On Tuesday, the Minister of Funds, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, announced that the emphasis will be placed on the exact verification of the contracts before the withdrawal was restored. In turn, the European Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation in this matter.
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PLN 110 million was paid
In the announcement published on Thursday, PARP pointed out that the program is implemented as planned and the inspections are to be as burdensome for entrepreneurs. The agency emphasized that each investment intended for the expansion of activities will be supervised, and the money paid on the basis of reimbursement, after confirming the compliance of expenses with the objectives of the project. In the event of a violation of the contract, the possibility of terminating it was provided.
According to PARP data, until the end of July this year. 3005 contracts were signed under the HoReCa support program, paying entrepreneurs to PLN 110 million from a pool of PLN 1.24 billion. The program assumed subsidies from 50,000 up to 540 thousand PLN, covering up to 90 percent eligible costs, such as the purchase of machines, equipment or training. The funds came from the National Plan of Reconstruction and Increase Re immorement (KPO), which is aimed at supporting the Polish economy.
Minister Pełczyńska-Nałęcz pointed out that control has already begun at the Rzeszów Regional Development Agency, one of five KPO funds for the HoReca industry. Two subsequent inspections are scheduled for doubts. “Irregularities in the program scale are negligible, although each such cases will be explained,” she emphasized.
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Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who demanded detailed explanations regarding irregularities, also referred to the situation. – I would like the minister supervising European funds to be extremely alert in such matters – said the head of government on Wednesday, adding that the previous ruling team is responsible for current difficulties, in his opinion.
The HoReCa support program was implemented as part of the KPO, which provides for Poland a total amount of EUR 59.8 billion in the form of subsidies and loans. Until now, our country has received PLN 67 billion from European funds, and subsequent payments are to be received in autumn.
