Latest data:
Testing: 1,206,405 people have now been tested for the virus
Hospital patients: From 16,395 to 14,220 in past week, a reduction of 13%
Loss of life: 28,446 people have died in hospital, care homes and community, 327 more deaths since the previous day’s figures (Saturday)
In Stockport: there are 851 cases of Covid-19
Updates from Government Daily Briefing
Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 4th May
- Launch of top-up to local business grant funds scheme
- Employers working with government on new working environment
- PM to announce a ‘staged’ move out of lockdown this week
- Now past the peak of the coronavirus
- Beginning to restore NHS services
- Restoration of fertility services, reopening of fertility clinics
- New contact tracing app being trialled on Isle of Wight
- 49 testing centres / 77 mobile testing units
- 90% of rough sleepers now in accommodation
- More than doubled capacity of NHS and PHE labs
- 3 new mega testing analysis labs
- Strategy of test, trace and track
- Mid-May an initial 18,000 contact tracers in place
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus: 1 May 2020
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock gave the 1 May 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 1 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Professor Stephen Powis.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 2 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Dr Jenny Harries.
HEADLINE NEWS:
Government launches top-up funding for businesses exempt from business grant scheme
A fund of up to £617 million has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope and top up the local business grant funds scheme.
The top-up fund is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. Local authorities will prioritise businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates.
Small businesses boosted by 100% government backed Bounce Back loans
Launching today, small businesses can benefit from a new fast-track finance scheme providing Bounce Back Loans with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders. The first 12 months of the loan will be both interest free and repayment holiday for the first 12 months.
Businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the cash within days – businesses can apply online through a short and simple form.
Britain’s small businesses will be able to apply for quick and easy-to access loans of up to £50,000 from today – with the cash expected to land within days.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-bounce-back-loans-to-launch-today
£6.1 million funding boost to help high streets and town centres through pandemic
Business Improvement Districts will receive funding in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hundreds of BIDs across England will receive support to help cover their day to day costs for the next 3 months
How the government plans to get the UK back to work
The government will release a series of papers next week outlining its approach on how to safely and gradually restart the economy.
It invited submissions by Thursday from businesses, trade bodies, unions and other workers representatives on how best to slowly restart the UK economy.It’s thought the proposals will not be split bluntly by sector but by working environment.
But there is no confirmed date yet for when such a restart will occur.Unions, large firms and business groups have been consulted on seven areas.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport firms benefit from more than £50 million coronavirus business grants
Since the Government announced the Small Business Grant Funding to scheme to provide financial assistance to coronavirus-gripped businesses, Stockport Council has supported more than 4,300 businesses with payments exceeding £50million.
Launched on April 2nd, 529 payment applications were processed in the first 24 hours with grants totalling nearly £8.5m being made to help businesses to survive the crisis.
At 9am on Monday, May 4, more than 75 per cent of qualifying businesses in Stockport had received funding, with £50,350,000 in total paid out.
The grant payments are administered through two schemes: £10,000 for those businesses registered for small business rate relief (SBBR). For businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors a £25,000 grant is payable for eligible businesses with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000 per year; those whose rateable value is £15,000 and below qualify for a £10,000 grant payment.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said council officers had been working incredibly hard to ensure the grants reached Stockport businesses as soon as possible. He said:
“Once the funding had reached us from the Government, our team were busy processing the claims straight away but l believe there are businesses out there that are eligible for the grants who haven’t yet applied.
“The team administering the grant schemes are now working to target people who are yet to apply. They are also encouraging those that have applied but are still waiting for payment to resubmit. Refilling in the form now will automatically show if the application has been processed and, if not, it will automatically process the application and the grant issued by BACs within three to five days.
“If you are eligible – or even think you are – and you have not applied, I am urging you do so as soon as you can.
“We know how hard this crisis is hitting businesses in Stockport, and we want to do everything we can as quickly as possible to support them and help with the cash flow issues they are experiencing.”
At 75 per cent, Stockport is ahead of the UK average of processing payments where more than £7.59 billion has been paid out to 614,181 business properties, which is 61 per cent of funding allocated to all local authorities.
Eligible businesses can submit their application online where additional guidance is provided for people who don’t know their Business rates account number
For more information on the support available for businesses in Stockport, please visit our dedicated coronavirus business pages.
Message from Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council:
“It’s really heartening to hear all the wonderful stories coming out of our communities and the support and generosity from local businesses, community organisations, volunteers and neighbours. In times like this we really do see humanity at its best and small acts of kindness can have such an impact on people’s lives, in ways we couldn’t imagine.
“One story that is a great example of a local business, the council and the local voluntary sector all working together that particularly struck me was how the delivery of a fresh loaf of bread, donated by Allied Bakeries and distributed to our most vulnerable residents by volunteers, is making a big difference to people’s lives. This not only provides essential food but is also a chance to check in on those who may not have much contact with other people and it’s that human interaction that means so much at the moment.
“Some of the comments from recipients have been really touching with people saying it’s a ‘lifesaver’ and how it has given them something to look forward to. These small gestures shouldn’t be underestimated and a big thank you to everyone playing their part in supporting our most vulnerable residents at this difficult time.
“Thank you to everyone for continuing to follow the social distancing measures. We have all done so well but as we are in the most critical period, it is important that we don’t undo all the great work we have done so far and keep going. In the long term this will make it all so worthwhile give us the result we are all hoping for.”
– Leader of Stockport Council, Councillor Elise Wilson.
Help us to help you and your business
We are really concerned about the impact covid19 is having on you, your business and your people and realise the unprecedented situation that you are experiencing at the moment. Totally Stockport and Stockport Council want to understand the challenges facing your organisation once you consider resuming your business so that we can provide the right help, support and advice for our businesses and local economy to recover.
Please complete this short survey (7-8 questions) to help us to understand what help is needed – by taking part you will be supporting us all to rebuild our economy together. Please encourage all of your contacts and networks to take part in the survey so that we can get as much information as possible.
Visit www.bidsurvey.com and help them to help you.
Webinars:
5th May: Financial support for small businesses hosted by
Dept Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Register to join
6th May: How to influence a hybrid parliament More info / book here
7th May: Property management tips on coronavirus More info / book here
15th May: Stakeholder Mapping in a Covid-19 lockdown More info / book here
26th May: Is more devolution key to recovery? More info / book here
HMRC: Recorded webinars on YouTube
HMRC: JobRetention Scheme – general information
HMRC: JobRetention Scheme – how to make a claim
HMRC: Covid-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
Latest updates
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’?
Many businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and are currently unable to trade due to Government restrictions but Stockport is still open for business. Are you still providing legal / financial services? Perhaps you have an online business? Or you have a food store. Are you offering a delivery service? Or perhaps you have a restaurant and are now offering take-aways? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free!
Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
COMMUNITIES:
Emergency funding to support most vulnerable in society during pandemic
Communities Secretary announces £76 million extra funding to support survivors of?domestic abuse, sexual violence and vulnerable children and their families and victims of modern slavery.
Dame Louise Casey to spearhead government taskforce on rough sleeping during pandemic
A specialist taskforce has been created to lead the next phase of the Government’s support for rough sleepers during the pandemic.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Updated: guidance aims to answer common questions in relation to the cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in 2020 – includes: cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020’ to reflect Ofqual consultation closing.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Added information about the May bank holiday, a link to the admissions appeals and updates to the support available to parents to help them educate their children at home to information for parents and carers about educational provision for critical workers, school closures, exams, free school meals and home schooling.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS FINANCE:
Top-up to local business grant funds scheme
A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme.
Bounce Back Loan Scheme: letter from the Chancellor to lenders
A letter from the Chancellor to all accredited Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme lenders on the new Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
Treasury Direction made by the Chancellor under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
It sets out that HMRC are responsible for the payment and management of amounts to be paid under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, as set out in the Schedule to the Direction. The Direction sets out the legal framework for the Scheme. Further guidance for employers and employees can be found here.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
The ‘Closing certain businesses and venues in England’ guidelines have been updated to further clarify the requirements of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for businesses
Guidance updated with information on tax for businesses and setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a further 50 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £50,350,000 across 4,345 qualifying businesses and 79.4% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020. If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form.
If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Webinars and videos from HMRC are now available, advising businesses on how to deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus, and how to access support.
ACAS runs a series of webinars on employment law and employment relations
The HMRC Job Retention Scheme – Tuesday 12th May Book here
The HMRC Job Retention Scheme – Thursday 14th May Book here
Covid-19 Business Grant Funding Documentation
FINANCE:
Lifetime ISA rule changes to help people who want to access their funds early.
People whose income has been affected by Coronavirus and who want to access their Lifetime ISA funds early will no longer face an additional withdrawal charge thanks to a temporary rule change, John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, announced today. The move is part of the government’s unprecedented package of support to help individuals, businesses and the economy during this difficult time.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Health Secretary welcomes reopening of fertility services
New guidance will allow clinics to reopen if they can prove measures to protect staff and patients are in place.
Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)
The single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. The social distancing guidelines have been updated to further clarify the requirements of the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 and information on clinically vulnerable people.
20 flights have been operated by passenger airlines British Airways and Virgin Atlantic,as well as various cargo operators and delivery specialists.
PROPERTY:
How might Covid-19 impact offices?
A panel of experts discussed how the current coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures will affect the flexible workspace sector, how office landlords and tenants will respond to remote working trends, how design and occupier requirements could change and the role of technology.
“Everyone has got used to working from home. There will be people who will want to continue working from home and I imagine there will be businesses that will encourage them to do that, but there will also be people who want to go back to the office. So I do not see it as the end of the office – far from it.”
RETAIL:
Beer sales down by 40% in March as coronavirus forces pubs to close
The British Pub Association is calling on the Government to offer more support as the figures show the devastating effect lockdown is having on the trade. Sales in the off-trade were up 10.6% compared with the same period last year
Pret a Manger calls back employees to reopen a further 20 shops
Pret has reopened another 20 of its sites for takeaways and delivery. The business has already reopened 10 stores in London. Visit www.bakeryinfo.co.uk for more information
Greggs reopening plans change due to crowd fears
Greggs will not let the public into its stores during reopening trials over fears they may be mobbed by fans. The company said it would continue to review the situation and sad it will allow walk-in customers into its shops when it is confident it is safe to do so in a controlled manner.
SPORT & LEISURE:
Government pledges £16 million to rescue Rugby League
The Rugby Football League (RFL) will receive a £16 million cash injection to safeguard the immediate future of the sport for the communities it serves, the Government has announced.
Useful Links:
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
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 – 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.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
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:
Bank of England – Financial Support:
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision:
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions:
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
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.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help 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.
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
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Last chance to get the winter Covid-19 booster 
Stockport hosts further pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinics ahead of Christmas