Stockport Grants Scheme
“Applications for the ARG discretionary grant funding for businesses that continue to be negatively affected by the pandemic, which is being administered on behalf of the government by the Council, continue to be received and are being processed as quickly as possible. The applications are processed in the order in which they have been received.
“Due to the high level of applications received, the ARG funding provided is going to be fully used and the scheme will not be able to support all of the applications made. Please be reminded that applying for an ARG grant will not guarantee that a grant will be paid if the ARG funds have been fully used before an application is processed.” Scroll down for more information
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Interest rates rise in bid to cool rising prices
Interest rates have risen for the second time in three months as the Bank of England tries to curb a rapid rise in the cost of living. The hike to 0.5% from 0.25% came as the Bank warned that price rises could speed up. Prices are expected to climb faster than pay, putting the biggest squeeze on household finances in decades.
It comes as the chancellor unveiled a support package to help households cope with a 54% jump in energy bills. Rising gas and electricity costs are the main factors pushing up prices across the economy. Inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index (CPI), is expected to peak at 7.25% in April, and average close to 6% in 2022.
UK approves fifth vaccine
The UK has approved a fifth Covid-19 vaccine, developed by US company Novavax. The vaccine offers up to 89% protection against Covid illness. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has said it is safe as a first and second dose in adults. Millions of doses are currently being manufactured at a plant on Teesside. Health Secretary Sajid Javid says independent scientists on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will now consider its use. The vaccine could then be used immediately as part of the UK vaccination programme.
France- tighter Covid restrictions could hit half-term breaks
Half-term holidaymakers could face another hurdle after France reportedly banned travellers from entering if they received a second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine more than nine months ago. Without a recent jab, France will effectively treat travellers as though unvaccinated and will only allow them to enter with a “compelling reason”, such as on compassionate grounds.
WHO: Europe is entering a ceasefire against Covid
The World Health Organization’s Europe director says the continent could soon enter a “long period of tranquillity” in the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Hans Kluge cited high vaccination rates, the end of winter and the less severe nature of the Omicron variant as reasons for the coronavirus “ceasefire”. Dr Kluge said: “This period of higher protection should be seen as a ‘ceasefire’ that could bring us enduring peace.” He added that some 12 million new virus cases were detected across Europe last week – the highest recorded – but said officials have not seen a significant spike in those needing critical hospital care.
Children’s Mental Health: record numbers referred for specialist care
More children than ever have been referred to the NHS for the most serious mental health problems, the latest figures for England show.
Some 409,347 under-18s were referred for specialist care for issues such as self-harm and eating disorders between April and October 2021. That was 77% higher than the same period in 2019. Head teachers and a children’s charity say they are seeing a rise in other less severe issues, too. The government plans to have 400 mental health teams to support schools by 2023.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport health chiefs remind residents of role of GPs
Health bosses in Stockport are reminding residents of the role their local GP practices can play when they are unwell, rather than turning to Emergency Departments. It’s vital that if people feel poorly, after trying to ease the symptoms with self-care, they get in touch with their GP practice for advice and use local information resources before they consider going straight to the Emergency Department. GP practices did not close during the pandemic and remain fully open using a range of services. including face-to-face appointments, where there is a clinical need to see someone, and digital technology with video conferencing and traditional telephone calls. Anyone who needs an appointment with their GP should contact the practice by phone or online. The practice team may ask for some details so they can direct patients to the best point of care.
Leader of Stockport Council responds to government levelling up White Paper
Stockport Leader of the Council, Cllr Elise Wilson, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) portfolio lead for Economy, called on the Government to back its commitments made in the Levelling Up White Paper with adequate funding.
The full Levelling Up White Paper is available to read here.
Cllr Elise Wilson, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) portfolio lead for Economy, said: “There’s plenty to be encouraged by in today’s announcements. Many of the proposals, like deepening devolution, are things we’ve been calling for in Greater Manchester for a long time. For us, levelling up isn’t a new concept. Through initiatives like our Good Employment Charter, leadership training for our thousands of SMEs, or helping manufacturers adopt the latest technologies, we’re already on with the job of spreading prosperity and opportunity. The announcement of an Innovation Accelerator for Greater Manchester is welcome news, as is the commitment to increasing public R&D spending beyond the South East. Through Innovation Greater Manchester we’ve been making the case for the right powers and funding to deliver an innovation ecosystem. The concern is that some of the other new commitments aren’t matched by new funding. The Government must understand that its levelling up missions will be impossible without adequate financial support.” Read the full statement HERE
Green light for new logistics hub at Manchester Airport
The development of three new logistics units, totalling about 85,000 sq ft, at the World Freight Terminal in Manchester Airport has been given the green light. Manchester City Council has granted planning permission to Columbia Threadneedle Investments for the scheme. The new buildings, measuring about 36,000 sq ft, 27,000 sq ft and 21,000 sq ft, will replace an existing obsolete unit.
It responds to the increasing freight traffic coming through Manchester Airport and providing further opportunities for the regional export market. The increased capacity will also help to serve the booming e-commerce market across the North West and beyond. Once complete, the assets will offer Net Zero carbon, Grade A warehousing facilities, including offices at mezzanine level, loading yards and separate car parks.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch a webinar and sign up for email alerts to learn more about the support available if your business is affected by COVID-19: Links to a video about COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme 2 and to register for a webinar about how to declare your grants on your Company Tax Return have been added.
CARE HOMES:
Throat and nose test (Innova 25) for care home staff: COVID-19 rapid test kit instructions
Step-by-step guide for COVID-19 self-testing for adult health and social care staff. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated information about how to get a test kit and get help with doing the test.
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – updated to provide clarification on essential care giver visits during an outbreak
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test kit instructions: SureScreen
How to do a SureScreen rapid nose-only test for COVID-19 and report the results. This test is only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated information about how to get a test kit and get help with doing the test.
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.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 4 February 2022
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households, and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
Constructionline to host first live ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in two years
The event at Villa Park on February 15 will be the first in-person Meet the Buyer for nearly two years after the programme was put on hold by the pandemic. A host of big-name contractors will be looking to connect with subbies and suppliers across the Midlands. Contractors offering work will include Balfour Beatty, Kier, Seddon, Amey Defence Services, Engie and GMI Construction Group. Constructionline Managing Director, Stefano Mattiello, said: “Over 500 like-minded businesses from the construction industry will be in attendance, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, gain insight, build knowledge and grow your business.
EDUCATION:
Ofqual: rolling update
Information on qualifications which have been disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19) – added information on special consideration for Applied Generals, Tech Awards, Tech Certs and Tech Levels in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) mass testing funding for schools and colleges
Information about the funding allocations associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) National Testing Programme – updated Coronavirus (COVID-19) mass testing funding for schools and colleges: exceptional costs guidance (updated January 2022) to reflect 1 test per pupil.
Get help with technology: conditions of internet access and device grants
Information about the eligibility criteria and payment process for connectivity and device funding – updated the lists of eligible institutions to clarify that academies must make claims at individual institution level.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid.
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England – broken down by age, sex, geographical area, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
Weekly Statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 20 to 26 January 2022
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
INVESTMENT:
Chinese buyers increasingly looking for UK investment opportunities
The ‘potent’ mix of the Covid-19 pandemic and the slow demise of the Evergrande Group, one of China’s largest development companies, is driving UHNWIs to seek property investment assets in the UK, with long term value growth.
That’s according to London buying agency Astute Property Search which, since the end of 2021, has seen a marked rise in Chinese nationals searching for properties that provide genuine investment possibilities, as well as potential future primary or second homes.
TRANSPORT:
Confidence in using public transport during coronavirus (COVID-19)
In-depth research, conducted in 2021, into attitudes to public transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – the following haulier advice sites will close on 8 February 2022 at 10pm: Burtonwood (Merseyside), Cambridge Services, Clacket Lane eastbound, Cobham Services, Doncaster North, Hartshead Moor (Huddersfield), Reading and Rothwell Truck Stop.
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.
Travel behaviour, attitudes and social impact of COVID-19
Study into the travel behaviour of people during and following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
International travel: public attitudes during COVID-19
Public attitudes to international travel during the time of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been 17.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 157,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 91% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 84% have had their second and 65% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 17,607,832 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 88,171 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 14,816 (436 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 303
Total UK deaths: 157,730
England Cases per 100,000: 1,062
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,385,688 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 12,466
Daily 2nd doses: 27,274
Daily Booster doses: 39,037
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
ThThe R range for England is 0.7 to 0.9; the growth rate for England is -6 to -2 as of 28th January
COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Despite a drop in Covid rates over the past fortnight, the fall has begun to level off and we are still seeing very high rates in Stockport, which are currently at 797.5* per 100,000 or around 334.3 per day. See the latest published data online.
Total Stockport cases: 87,513 to 3 February
Cases in the latest week: 2,562 (97 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 832 to January 28th
Cases per 100,000: 871 per 100,000 (24 to 30 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 2 February
2nd dose: 81%
3rd / booster dose: 65%
Stockport Business Rates Related Schemes:
Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant:
NOTE: The closing date for applications is at midnight on 18 February 2022. We will not accept any applications after this date.
- The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is a one-off grant to support businesses that offer in-person services in a fixed rate-paying premises.
- Businesses that were trading on 30 December 2021 may be eligible to apply for the grant.
- Businesses that offer more than one service may only be eligible if 50% or more of their overall income comes from hospitality, leisure or accommodation.
How much will businesses receive?
Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
What are the Tax implications?
- Grant income received by a business is taxable. The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant will need to be included as income in the tax return of the business.
- Only businesses that make an overall profit once the grant income is included will be subject to tax.
- Payments made to businesses before 5 April 2022 will fall into the 2021/22 tax year. Unincorporated businesses will be taxed when they receive the grant income.
Business Grant Subsidy Allowance:
- Businesses will be subject to the financial limits set out in the Business Grant Subsidy Allowance.
- Businesses will be entitled to receive a grant for each eligible premises.
Applications are now open. Visit Stockport Council website for full information and application – Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant – Stockport Council
COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF):
The fund will be available to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates.
The Stockport scheme is currently being developed.
Further details will be on the Council website when available – check this link regularly for updates – Financial support for businesses and employers – Stockport Council
Additional Restrictions Grant:
ARG is a Discretionary Grant Scheme that has been operating over a series of funding allocations from Government.
Round 2 Top Up:
The latest scheme with round 2 top up funding opened in November 2021. Information and application is on Stockport Council web page at this link – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/additional-restrictions-grant
Round 3 Top Up:
Round 3 top up funding allocation has now been received and must be used by 31/03/22. Most businesses are eligible to apply if still experiencing negative impact from Covid pandemic.
Applying for an ARG:
- Businesses can apply for a grant from both top up 2 and 3 allocations but separate need to be submitted from businesses for each round of funding (Government requirement).
- If businesses have applied for ARG before 21/12/21, then they can submit a further application now.
- If businesses applied after 21/12/21 then no need to do anything further – if not applied at all yet then apply ASAP.
- Applications will be processed on first come first served basis until funds are exhausted so applying does not guarantee success in getting a grant if funds have been exhausted at that time
Current status on payments:
Total discretionary grant funding of £2.35m total to be used by 31/03/2022 (includes latest £550k top up)
- 767 applications received by 18th January 2022
- 49% of applications fully processed
- £1.1m grant funding released by 18th January 2022
- Average grant payment of £3,271
- 399 further applications to process
Covid-19 Webinars:
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:
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