Biznes Fakty
Pełczyńska-Nałęcz: two types of irregularities in KPO subsidies
Katarzyna Pełczyńska, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, stated during an appearance on TVN24’s „Rozmowa Piaseckiego” that audits of KPO subsidies for HoReCa businesses revealed two types of irregularities. She also commented on the contentious subsidies for artistic projects.
– I am already aware that some irregularities exist – stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz on the „Rozmowa Piaseckiego” program, discussing the audits of KPO subsidies intended to diversify activities for companies within the HoReCa sectors affected by the pandemic.
Two types of irregularities
She clarified that two categories of irregularities were uncovered. „The first is a conflict of interest,” she detailed, explaining that the operators were assessed by experts who should not have been evaluating them „as they are linked to the businesses that received the funds.”
The minister noted that the second type of irregularity related to subsidies that were not used for the activities specified in the company’s business plan. „It’s not that someone receives this coffee machine and simply does nothing with it.” They must create a business plan, demonstrate how it integrates into their operations, outline the taxes it will generate, and project the industry’s growth,” Pełczyńska-Nałęcz elaborated.
– If it deviates from the business plan, if it’s not part of the company’s operations and there are no taxes associated with it, then it constitutes an irregularity – she concluded.
– Both specific situations were identified – the minister remarked.
She mentioned that she would reveal the complete audit findings by mid-September. „Wherever irregularities are identified, I will respond decisively,” she affirmed, adding that funds would be allocated to audited businesses found to be free of discrepancies within the next two weeks.
– There are always individuals trying to take advantage of public investments – the minister commented.
Grants for artistic endeavors. „These industries have suffered the most.”
Pełczyńska-Nałęczo on the KPO for culture: culture and tourism suffered the most TVN24During the „Rozmowa Piaseckiego” program, she was also queried about subsidies for the cultural sector and whether this represents another issue linked to the program. Concerns have arisen regarding subsidies for, among others, the band Poparzeni Kawą Trzy for an „innovative hybrid concert with mentoring for debutants and online broadcast.”
„There are two fundamental areas that the KPO aimed to address from the start, and there was unanimous agreement. PiS included them in the KPO, and they have been retained. These are culture and tourism,” she clarified. She added, „these sectors have been the most adversely affected by COVID.”
„The Ministry of Culture is responsible for the merits of the KPO for Culture,” emphasized Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. „I can’t assess whether it’s appropriate or inappropriate based solely on its name,” she stated.
„I advise the Ministry of Culture—not because I suspect any wrongdoing, but because I understand public concern—that they conduct their own internal audit,” Pełczyńska-Nałęcz remarked. She added that following this audit, if any irregularities are found, the minister will initiate further, more comprehensive investigations within her ministry.
As the head of the Ministry of Funds pointed out, agreements with beneficiaries in this program have not yet been finalized.
About support for the HoReCa industry and culture from KPO
The objective of HoReCa funding under the KPO is to assist micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the hotel, catering, and tourism sectors.
Conversely, cultural institutions, non-governmental organizations, micro-enterprises, and small and medium-sized enterprises that meet the criteria set forth in the regulations could seek support in the form of grants and scholarships from the program designed to bolster activities within the cultural and creative industries sector.
These sectors have been the most severely impacted by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
