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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:
Booster at least 80% effective against severe Omicron
UK researchers have analysed the likely impact that a Covid booster shot will have on Omicron and say it could provide around 85% protection against severe illness.
The protection is a bit less than vaccines gave against earlier versions of Covid.
But it means the top-up dose should keep many people out of hospital.
The modelling, from the team at Imperial College London, is based on limited information on Omicron.
Firms ask for clarity over Christmas restrictions
Hospitality and entertainment firms are demanding more clarity from the government on whether there will be more Covid restrictions in England in the coming days. Boris Johnson did not announce any new measures after two hours of cabinet discussions on Monday but said data was being reviewed “hour by hour”.
Sport in Wales goes behind closed doors
Spectators will be banned from sports events in Wales from 26 December to try to control the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. The Welsh government says the ban will apply to all indoor, outdoor, professional and community sports events, with a £3m Spectator Sports Fund available to support clubs and venues.
WHO urges caution over holiday events
The World Health Organization is urging people to cancel some of their holiday plans to protect public health as the Omicron variant spreads globally. “An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled,” says WHO head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, adding “difficult decisions” must be made.
Fake Covid passes advertised online
With people required to prove their vaccination status in order to access some venues or avoid self-isolation after travelling abroad, the BBC has found posts on social media, including Facebook, offering false certification to the unvaccinated. Facebook says it will remove the content “whenever we find it”.
COVID-19: Omicron daily overview
An overview and summary of case data for Omicron focusing on confirmed and SGTF cases in the UK.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Business confidence rises ahead of Omicron
Business confidence in the North-West rose at the start of December – but now companies are waiting nervously to see how the Omicron variant will impact them. The latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking saw business confidence in the region rise 14 points in December to a positive balance of 48%. Companies reported optimism about their own prospects and about the health of the economy overall. The barometer sees 1,200 businesses polled monthly and aims to provide early signals of UK economic trends. The latest survey captured responses between November 26 and December 10. The first cases of Omicron were detected in the UK on November 27. Despite growing fears over Omicron, a net balance of 39% of businesses in the North-West expected to increase staff levels over the next year – up seven points on last month.
Greater Manchester leaders call for more support for businesses
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and council leaders from across the city-region have called on the Chancellor to provide targeted support to people and businesses impacted by Plan B Covid-19 advice and the ongoing effects of the Omicron variant. During a meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), council leaders and the mayor backed a cross-party call for economic support in light of significant losses being experienced by businesses following the reintroduction of new Covid-19 guidance. More than 80% of hospitality businesses surveyed in Greater Manchester reported cancellations, including of Christmas parties, since the move to Plan B was announced at the end of November. Declining consumer confidence and lockdown fears over the Omicron variant have also hurt bookings for early 2022.
New Chief Executive appointment approved by council members
Members have voted to approve the appointment of Caroline Simpson to take over as Chief Executive of Stockport Council. The decision was reached during an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 20th December, after Caroline was revealed as the first-choice candidate by the Council’s Appointments Committee last week. Caroline is currently one of the Deputy Chief Executives at the Council and Director for Place. Earlier this year, she was recognised for her work by winning the Property Personality of the Year Award at Insider’s 2021 North-West Property Awards. She has previously also worked at neighbouring Cheshire East Council.
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: 11,453,121 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 91,743 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,482 (133 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 44
Total UK deaths: 147,261
England Cases per 100,000: 655
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,498,034 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 82%
Daily 1st doses: 33,151
Daily 2nd doses: 39,904
Daily Booster doses: 846.466
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: 56,432 to 20 December
Cases in the latest week: 2,434, 1,014 more than previous week
Total deaths: 799 to December 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 827 per 100,000 week ending 16 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 19 December
2nd dose: 79%
3rd / booster dose: 52%
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
ARG Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 341
Applications allocated: 45%
Value of Grants issued: £450,500
Locality Boost Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 22
Applications processed / in process: 95%
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Pay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back
Find out how to pay all or some of your grant back, make a voluntary repayment or what you need to do if you have not paid your staff enough after claiming the grant – added section ‘If you need more time to work out what you owe’.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19 – updated the European Regional Development Fund 2014 to 2020 Programme: Questions and Answers on COVID-19 response.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply – updated guidance to reflect changes to self-isolation exemptions.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR home test kit instructions
Find out how to do a PCR test for COVID-19 at home and check if you need to register a test kit – updated to reflect that some test kits are already registered.
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.
COVID-19 test validation approved products
Find out which COVID-19 test products have been approved.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – update to processing times.
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan Construction Review optimistic for 2022
The latest Glenigan Construction Review shows that although project-starts continued to decline during the three months to November, a recovery in 2022 is now more certain as the value of main contract awards rose by 46% compared to the previous three months. And the year-on-year view is just as promising as contract awards on projects over £100m were 75% higher, and awards on projects under £100m were 38% higher than last year.
EDUCATION:
General Qualifications Alternative Awarding Framework
Regulatory requirements for awarding organisations offering specific general qualifications in 2021 in the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccine: estimated coverage for people aged 18 and over
Daily number and percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose or third or booster dose to date.
COVID-19 vaccination: information for healthcare practitioners
Guidance for healthcare practitioners about the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
Regulatory approval of Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about Lagevrio – Public Assessment Report for Lagevrio published.
COVID-19: reported SARS-CoV-2 deaths in England
Monthly report presenting the latest data on COVID-19 mortality in England in people with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 – added monthly update: report and data.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – content amended to reflect new COVID guidance and simplify overall information
PROPERTY:
Arrears rising as Omicron hits tenant sector
Propertymark says arrears in the private rental sector are rising once again as the Omicron variant continues to push across the country. “Looking towards the sector’s immediate challenge as the pandemic rears its head once again, the unfortunate reality is that we may see an increase in the number of renters falling into arrears. It is therefore vital that vulnerable tenants are adequately supported during this time” explains Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson.
RETAIL:
Hobbs swings to full year loss as Covid-19 halves turnover
Hobbs has swung to a full-year loss as its turnover halved thanks to the effects of Covid-19 on trading. Turnover dropped 51% to £65.1 million in the 12 months to 27 March, with the company citing store closures and a drop in demand for its core product categories. Hobbs said it lost 47% of its store trading hours during the year and was “performing well” prior to the pandemic. The London-based retailer made a loss after tax of £15.2 million compared to a profit of £4.3 million a year earlier.
TRANSPORT:
Applying for COVID-19 airport and ground operations funding
Information on applying for COVID-19 funding support for commercial airports and ground handlers in England – third competition announced.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated as the Returning Resident refund concession has now been closed.
Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England – further information about quarantine rules for children aged 4 and under.
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.