20 December: Update on ARG and Localities Grants:
In view of the recent upsurge in Omicron and its potential impact on businesses, Stockport Council have suspended applications for the current discretionary grant schemes – ARG and Localities. Applications already received and already in the system are currently being processed.
“Due to the recent increase in the Omicron variant of the Covid virus, we are suspending applications to the current discretionary Covid businesses support grant schemes – ARG and Localities grants, so that we can review the way in which the remaining funding support can be used to support those businesses most affected by the impact of the latest variant. Details of any new arrangements for discretionary grant funding support schemes for businesses will be published early in 2022.”
Stockport Council Grants team
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Ministers to meet this afternoon to consider new measures to tackle omnicron
PM is being urged by scientists to take further action to tackle the surge in Covid cases. The cabinet tis to hold a virtual meeting this afternoon. Many MPs are likely to oppose further restrictions; deputy PM, Dominic Raab, says he cannot rule out further lockdowns but that the booster rollout makes this much less likely
Covid drug available for vulnerable NHS patients
A new Covid drug designed to reduce the risk of vulnerable patients needing hospital treatment will be available on the NHS from today. Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody given as a transfusion to transplant recipients, cancer patients and other high-risk groups. If given quickly after symptoms develop it should help prevent people from falling seriously ill with the disease. Initial tests suggest it should still work against the Omicron variant.
£22.5m of funding announced in new community push to get nation boosted now
An additional £22.5 million in funding and an army of vaccine ambassadors have been deployed across the country to encourage vaccine uptake in the run up to Christmas and the New year. The Community Vaccines Champion scheme will target 60 local authorities with the lowest vaccine uptake.
The community Vaccine Champions will tap into their local networks to provide advice about COVID-19 and the vaccines. Champions will also work with councils to identify barriers to accessing accurate information and to provide tailored support, such as phone calls for people who are digitally excluded, helplines, and linking to GP surgeries.
Business insolvencies exceed pre-pandemic levels for the first time
The number of business insolvencies has exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time since before the first lockdown, according to new figures. The figures from the Insolvency Service show there were 1,674 business insolvencies in November – 88% higher than the same month last year and 11% higher than in November 2019. The rise has been driven by an increase in Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs), a procedure where company directors close their business voluntarily, and which now stand at the highest levels in more than two-and-a-half years.
Push to protect and vaccinate rough sleepers with £28 million government funding boost
The Protect and Vaccinate scheme will help to increase vaccine uptake among people who are homeless and sleeping rough. Rough sleepers are being helped to get their COVID-19 vaccines and move into safe accommodation over the winter thanks to a £28 million government funding boost, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced today (20 December 2021).
The Protect and Vaccinate scheme will help to increase vaccine uptake among people who are homeless and sleeping rough, supporting those who are hesitant about getting their vital booster jabs and funding emergency accommodation to get people off the streets. This means delivering mobile vaccinations where people are sleeping on the streets, supporting outreach work in shelters to educate people about the dangers of the virus, and giving money to councils to provide safe and secure accommodation while their level of vaccination is increased.
COVID Support Force: MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Director of Public Health issues update on Omicron variant in Stockport
Stockport Council’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, has used her weekly statement on the coronavirus pandemic to urge people to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster jabs in response to rising case numbers of the Omicron virus variant.
All the Directors of Public Health across Greater Manchester have issued a joint statement on the situation in the city-region. Jennifer Connolly shared the current data for Stockport.
Robinson’s Brewery MD calls for Chancellor to ‘step up’ to ensure pubs survive
Five per cent of pubs closed for good in 2020 and another five per cent are set to close in 2021, that’s 5,000 pubs gone. Speaking to Esther McVey in the Daily Express on Saturday, Mr William Robinson said their pub estate has only closed once in its 300-year history – to abide by Covid rules. They stayed open during the Spanish flu and through both World Wars. William added: “The Chancellor recognised the social importance of pubs in the autumn budget – we implore him to to step up as he has before and provide long and short-term support to ensure pubs will survive.”
Update on timescales for Stockport Local Plan
Following an extensive public engagement period, Stockport Council has published its Local Development Scheme, setting out proposed timescales for adopting a new Local Plan for the borough. The Local Plan is a statutory document prepared by local authorities in England to set out development needs, such as new homes, transport, infrastructure and land suitable for commercial development. Stockport’s Local Plan will also consider commitments to environmental protection and climate change in line the One Stockport Borough Plan and Climate Action Now strategy.
Councillors approved the Local Development Scheme on the 30th November, which seeks to inform the public about current planning policies and set out the timeframes for preparing the new Local Plan.
Record number of tech opportunities in Manchester
Manchester has been named as the second regional tech city in the UK according to new analysis for the UK’s Digital Economy Council by Dealroom and the smarter job search engine Adzuna. This is thanks to its combination of high levels of VC funding, available tech job opportunities, advertised tech salaries, number of high growth tech companies and future high growth companies. The tech scene has been steadily growing over the past few years and this is being reflected in the increase in venture capital funding.
Insider: Investment in digital infrastructure key to unlocking the North’s potential
Investment in connectivity and digital infrastructure is key to unlocking the North’s potential according to a director at Salford-headquartered telecommunications provider TalkTalk. The company relocated its headquarters to Salford Quays in 2019. Jonathan Kini, managing director, direct consumer and B2B, at TalkTalk said the Northern Powerhouse was central to the levelling-up agenda:
“The Northern Powerhouse means truly levelling up the disparities that still exist between the North and Southern economies, combining the North’s merits and then positioning these effectively on a national and global stage to drive further investment,” he said. “To do this we must create world-leading cities and a thriving business community that sets a precedent for doing things properly, with collaboration and innovation at the heart.” Continue reading
The One Stockport Hub on Mersey Square in the town centre is to become a vaccine centre only to ensure as many as possible can get the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of the year.
The One Stockport Hub will now be open 10am to 3pm every day until New Years Eve, except for Sundays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Opening times for walk-in vaccination centres in Stockport this December are available here.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 11 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 147,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 82% have had their second and 50% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 11,361,387 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 82,886 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,579 (108 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 45
Total UK deaths: 147,218
England Cases per 100,000: 559
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,463,255 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 82%
Daily 1st doses: 37,492
Daily 2nd doses: 44,599
Daily Booster doses: 904,598
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19). The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2 and the growth rate range for England is 0% to +2% per day as of 17 December 2021.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 55,226 to 16 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,664, 286 more than previous week
Total deaths: 799 to December 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 566 per 100,000 week ending 13 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 13 December
2nd dose: 78%
3rd / booster dose: 47%
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
Stockport Council launches new Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses facing continued challenges from impact of coronavirus
Stockport Council has opened applications for its Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, allowing businesses that remain negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic to access further financial support. The Additional Restrictions Grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant if your trading levels continue to be negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
ARG Grant data as at 09/12/2021:
Applications received: 341
Applications allocated: 45%
Value of Grants issued: £450,500
Locality Boost Grant
The Council is also offering a further opportunity for businesses in local areas to access a Locality Boost Grant for their area if they did not do so in the first round of these grants. The Locality Boost Grant is for district centre trading associations or their equivalent. District centre trading associations can bid for your local area to run events to drive footfall that will support local businesses that are reopening. If the local area does not have a trading association that can lead the bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that area. They will then lead as the single point of contact for their area. Only one application for each local area will be accepted. Further information on the Locality Boost Grant and how to apply is available at this link Locality Boost Grant – Stockport Council”
Locality Boost Grant data as at 09/12/2021:
Applications received: 22
Applications processed / in process: 95%
Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus – additional Restrictions Support Grant (ARG) data updated as of 28 November 2021.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
CARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits for children’s homes
Guidance on when to test children and staff, type of test that should be used, and how to order more tests – updated to reflect that daily testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
COMMUNITY:
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated information in Your rights sections of the Privacy notice and the Privacy information for young people.
EDUCATION:
Ofqual: rolling update
Information on qualifications which have been disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19) – added information about January assessments for vocational and technical qualifications.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
More than half of over 18s boosted against COVID-19
More than 50% of the adult UK population are now boosted after the programme was accelerated last week
COVID-19: Omicron daily overview
An overview and summary of case data for Omicron focusing on confirmed and SGTF cases in the UK.
Deaths involving COVID-19 by vaccination status, England: deaths occurring between 2 January and 5 November 2021
Age-standardised and age-specific mortality rates for deaths involving COVID-19 by vaccination status; deaths occurring between 2 January and 5 November 2021 in England.
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – clarified charging exemption for vaccination against COVID-19 to include booster doses, and a link to World Health Organization’s translated update on Omicron
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK – added latest update.
COVID-19: Omicron daily overview
An overview and summary of case data for Omicron focusing on confirmed and SGTF cases in the UK – revised estimation modelling document added.
COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Information for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – updated COVID-19 vaccination: a guide on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
COVID-19 vaccination: Guillain-Barré Syndrome information for healthcare professionals
Information for healthcare professionals on Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19: guidance for first responders
Advice for first responders (as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act) and others where close contact may be required as part of their normal duties – updated to reflect changes to advice for contacts of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
PROPERTY:
Agent supports buyers to take covid tests ahead of viewings
Propertymark has come out in support of the Scottish government’s demand that buyers take lateral flow tests before viewings. The measure is contained in new guidance from the government although there is no explanation as to how agents should police it. A similar demand is made of prospective tenants viewing rental properties. Propertymark policy manager Daryl McIntosh says: “The measures introduced are understandable and most agents have been still adhering to previous measures. “The new guidance for viewers to take lateral flow tests is logical but could be difficult to manage and it will put the onus onto agents to ensure the safety of themselves and their clients.”
Omicron: Government guidance for private rental sector this winter
Housing minister Chris Pincher has written an open letter to all landlords and agents in England, telling them how to enact the government’s so-called Winter Plan to tackle rising cases of Covid-19. The emphasis is on agents and landlords making sure that all rental properties can be properly ventilated to minimise the spread of Covid-19 and particularly the new Omicron strain in enclosed spaces.
There are five key messages in Pincher’s letter – read more here
SCIENCE:
SAGE meetings, December 2021
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in December 2021.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations, and people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus – updated advice on taking lateral flow tests.
Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
COVID-19 testing for hauliers arriving in England and travelling from the UK – added information on testing and quarantine requirements for travel to Germany.
TRAVEL:
Germany tightens restrictions on UK travellers
Germany has become the latest country to ban UK tourists amid an increase in concern over the Omicron variant of Covid-19. The new curbs came into force on Sunday night (19 December). The French government has already imposed strict travel restrictions on British tourists. According to the UK Foreign Office, only Brits who are residents in Germany and German citizens are allowed entry to the country.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – updated advice on taking lateral flow tests.
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April