London pub. The film director turned country squire claimed up to £40,000 to pay for staff at Ashcombe House, his rural retreat in Wiltshire, which he is developing as a resort for shooting and fishing parties.
Newly filed accounts show that the partnership which manages the estate was worth £26. 8million, but was still keen to use the taxpayer-funded assistance to pay some staff.
Accounts for Ashcombe Estates LLP said: 'Government grant income is included in other income and represents wage amounts claimed by Ashcombe Estates LLP through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme during the period. 'Government furlough payment records show Ashcombe Estates claimed between 1p and £10,000 in January, February, March, and April last year.
That is on top of up to £135,000 furlough claimed by his pub in Mayfair, central London, Lore of the Land, run by Fatboy Pub Company Limited.
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