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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:
Boosters provide high level of protection against death with Omicron
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that boosters significantly reduce the risk of death with Omicron. The findings show that around 6 months after a second dose of any of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, protection against death with Omicron was around 60% in those aged 50 and over. However, this increased to around 95% 2 weeks after receiving a booster vaccine dose. The data continue to show high levels of protection against hospitalisation from the booster. After a Pfizer booster (after either primary vaccination course), vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation started at around 90%, dropping to around 75% after 10 to 14 weeks.
Partner of unvaccinated man who nearly died warns others
The partner of a man placed in an induced coma after catching Covid-19 is warning others not to drop their guard as restrictions are lifted. Olly Toole, from Canterbury in Kent, is 32 and was not vaccinated, but had no underlying health conditions. He is now out of the coma, but his partner said at one point she was told he might not survive. Cheryl Waters, who is seven months pregnant, said: “They told me to come in and say goodbye.”
Met Police seeks limits to Sue Gray No.10 parties report
The Metropolitan Police has asked senior civil servant Sue Gray to make “minimal reference” to events they are investigating in her report. Ms Gray’s inquiry into lockdown parties in Downing Street had been due to be released this week.
But the Met has asked her to leave out details of parties they are investigating for Covid rule-breaking.
In a statement, it said it wanted to “avoid any prejudice to our investigation”.
On Tuesday, Met Commissioner Cressida Dick announced the force had launched its own inquiry after being handed information by Ms Gray. It has since been unclear how much the Gray report would be able to say while a police investigation was under way.
easyJet expects ‚strong‘ summer for beach flights
The Luton-based airline said it was planning for capacity over the key summer months to return to “near 2019” levels as the company revealed financial results for the first quarter of its financial year up to 31 December 2021.
EasyJet’s chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “Booking volumes jumped in the UK following the welcome reduction of travel restrictions announced on 5 January, which have been sustained and then given a further boost from the UK government’s decision earlier this week to remove all testing requirements. We see a strong summer ahead, with pent-up demand that will see easyJet returning to near 2019 levels of capacity, with UK beach and leisure routes performing particularly well.”
Painkillers and fresh fruit in short supply after Omicron surge
Shoppers have been struggling to get hold of paracetamol from many supermarkets while beer shelves are overflowing, as the impact of Omicron continues to be felt in the UK’s economy. New data from the Office for National Statistics also shows that the number of people dining in restaurants is back to pre-pandemic levels. Compared with the same week in 2020, before Covid-19 struck, numbers of seated diners had declined by just 3% in the seven days to January 24. It comes after a 5% point increase the week before.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
North-West Manufacturing & Construction sectors to get £2.4m training boost
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has awarded £2.4 million of funding for schemes offering training to those working in manufacturing and construction. Instep and the North West Skills Academy have been given new contracts to deliver vital training that will combat skills shortages identified by employers in the city-region. Funded by the European Social Fund as part of GMCA’s three-year Skills for Growth programme, all training offered will be free for individuals and businesses to access. Instep UK has been awarded £1.2 million to upskill those working in the manufacturing industry. Training will focus on giving managers and aspiring managers the knowledge they need to move towards a person-led way of working.
Insolvency specialists warn of coming ‘storm’ for North West firms
The warning comes following the publication of the firms’ latest Red Flag Alert report, which as monitored the health of British companies over the last 15 years. The report warns that almost 600,000 UK businesses reported significant financial distress during the final three months of 2021. The insolvency specialists found that in the North-west. 55,728 businesses were in poor financial health.
GM Mayor: Major changes are needed on Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone
“I met with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Wednesday as only he can enable a review, variation or withdrawal of the Clean Air Scheme. We are all committed to improving air quality and the health of our residents, but we also recognise that major changes are needed to the current scheme. I asked the Secretary of State to consider all options, in particular to lift the Government’s legal direction on all 10 Greater Manchester councils to provide more time for us to achieve compliance. This is because as we have previously articulated we fear the current scheme may not be successful in achieving compliance by 2024, but will cause real hardship to many businesses in Greater Manchester as a result of recent changes to the supply chain and cost inflation.”
More vaccination clinics open across Stockport
If you haven’t had your latest COVID vaccine yet then make the most of Stockport’s new and revised offer at pop up clinics in the community as health experts have introduced more choice on where to get your next dose.
New walk-in clinics are being provided at:
- The One Stockport Hub in Mersey Square, SK1 1RA: Saturday, 29 January, 10am until 3pm.
- Trinity Methodist Church, 351 Bramhall Lane, Bramhall SK3 8TP: seven days a week from 8am until 6pm.
If you haven’t had your first, second or booster vaccination and are eligible then make the most of Stockport’s increased walk-in vaccination offer this week.
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 – a video about how to report coronavirus (COVID-19) taxable grants and payments has been added.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace.
COMMUNITY:
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 – added data for 27 January.
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.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – updated information under heading “Applying to renew a driving licence if you have a medical condition”.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Guidance for people attending a place of worship and those who are responsible for these venues.
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home – updated to reflect the end of Plan B restrictions
CONSTRUCTION:
Kier launches recruitment drive for over 1,200 jobs and expands staff benefits
The big recruitment push will see staff numbers swell by around 10% across the UK. To support the large-scale talent hunt and open its doors to a more diverse pool of people, the contractor is offering extended maternity, paternity and shared parental leave. It also is offering paid leave to anyone who experiences pregnancy loss and new measures to support those going through the menopause. In the post-pandemic bounce back, the roles it has on offer are more varied than ever before. Vacancies range from technology engineers to sustainability co-ordinators, general operatives, business analysts and team leaders, as well as positions in finance, IT and human resources.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace: 13 to 19 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines: weekly reports added for 19 Jan 22
Latest data reinforces the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations in pregnant women
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urges pregnant women to get vaccinated as latest data reinforces previous findings on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: UK: 28 January 2022
Estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory to collect and test samples.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hotels and guest accommodation – Guidance updated to remove the remaining Plan B measures on face coverings and COVID-19 status checks. Information box added on international travel changes which will apply from 11 February (more information to be added shortly).
LEGAL:
MANUFACTURING:
Apple sales soar despite chip supply shortage
Apple sales soared in the key Christmas shopping season, despite constraints due to a global shortage of microchips. Sales at the iPhone giant rose 11% to a record $123.9bn (£92.6bn) in the October to December period, beating forecasts.
Shares jumped more than 4% in after-hours trade, as the report suggested the firm’s pandemic boom is continuing. Apple has seen purchases skyrocket during the pandemic as people spend more time online. The firm’s market value briefly hit the $3tn milestone in early January though its share price has slipped more recently amid weeks of market turmoil.
RETAIL:
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 – amended ‘If you’re in the UK’ section, updating exceptional assurance visa or leave expiry date to 31 March 2022.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been 16 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 155,000 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 64% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 16,245,474 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 96,871 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 16,510 (94 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 338
Total UK deaths: 155,040
England Cases per 100,000: 1,002
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,281,873 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 15,358
Daily 2nd doses: 30,319
Daily Booster doses: 54,464
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.1 the growth rate range for England is -6% to +1% per day as of 28 January 2022.
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:
Total Stockport cases: 80,695 to 27 January
Cases in the latest week: 2,318 (195 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 825 to January 14th
Cases per 100,000: 788 per 100,000 (17 to 23 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 20 January
2nd dose: 80%
3rd / booster dose: 64%
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.