Tuesday February 1st – Coronavirus News Updates

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:

House prices see fastest growth rate in January for 17 years

House prices have risen at the fastest annual pace for a January in 17 years, amid “robust” demand and low supply, according to lender Nationwide.

The building society said prices rose by 11.2% year-on-year and by 0.8% between December and January.

Beijing reports spike in new virus cases

Beijing has reported its highest number of Covid-19 cases in 18 months, five days ahead of the start of the Winter Olympics in the Chinese capital.

After 20 more cases were reported in the capital, officials announced that some local areas had been locked down with residents being tested.

Separately, organisers of the Olympics reported 34 new infections within the event’s “closed-loop” bubble. Officials said it included 13 athletes or officials arriving at the airport.

Covid map: Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country

An overview of global cases, hotspots and vaccination uptake.

Measles warning for children as jab rate falls in England

More than one in 10 school entry-age children in England are at risk of measles because they have not had their vaccine jabs, data reveals.

Coverage for the two doses of MMR that helps protect five-year-olds against measles, mumps and rubella is currently at 85.5%.

That is the lowest for a decade, and well below the 95% target recommended to stop a resurgence of measles.

Measles is highly contagious, more than Covid, and can cause serious illness.

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

Stockport launches Radical Digital Strategy
Stockport Council is creating anew radical strategy to set out priority actions for digital across the borough in line with the town’s One Stockport Borough Plan.

What impact are digital and new technologies having on your business? The digital era has brought opportunities for some businesses and challenges for others. The pandemic further emphasised the importance of digital, increasing the pace of change and customer demand for digital products and services.

Mayor of Stockport invites the borough’s businesses to support their local communities

Mayor of Stockport, Cllr Adrian Nottingham, has written to businesses across the borough to invite them to work with him to support local community groups.

Following the collaboration between local business and community organisations during the coronavirus pandemic, the Mayor has called for businesses to once again work together to deliver growth, sustainability and inclusive and health communities in the borough as it recovers.

The Stockport family who have sold their shop after running it for 60 years
Handy Hardware, in Davenport, has been run by June Boole and her family for 60 years. They opened their hardware shop in 1962, and bought the property in the early 1970s. After decades of serving the community, the shop is closing and will be renovated by its new owners. After decades of serving the community, the shop is closing and will be renovated by its new owners. Customers will know the business for having floor-to-ceiling shelving packed to the rafters with stock — and a friendly face behind the counter in June.

Stockport Business Awards launch search for 2022 charity partner

Founders and organisers of the Stockport Business Awards, Clarke Nicklin, are once again on the hunt for a charity partner for the 2022 event. Entries are now open for charities to apply for the opportunity to partner up with the awards and benefit from all fundraising activities and proceeds from the evening. The chosen charity will get links and branding on the Stockport Business Awards website, PR coverage before and after the awards, promotion in the awards brochure, the opportunity to make a short speech on the night, and to form new relationships with local businesses in the area.

Petersgate House sells for £1.8 million

A town centre office building, Petersgate House, has been sold for £1.8 million, agents on the sale Impey have confirmed.

The property, opposite Stockport’s Central Library on the corner of St Petersgate and Wellington Road, had been due to be sold at auction in January. Sellers, Maidenhead-based Proudkey Properties, however, accepted the above-asking-price offer less than a month after the property went on the market; Petersgate House had commanded a guide price at auction of £1.7 million. Buyers of the property have not be announced officially, with Place North West reporting that a Middle East-based firm with other holdings in Stockport has acquired the property.

Manchester Airport Jobs Fair to highlight hundreds of live vacancies

Jobseekers will have the opportunity to learn about hundreds of live vacancies at Manchester Airport at a jobs fair taking place on 10th February.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is looking to recruit for over 500 staff in passenger security, in addition to further customer service, car parks and hospitality positions at the Northern hub. Further jobs are also available with over a dozen businesses operating out of Manchester Airport, including airlines, contractors and retailers.

BUSINESS:

After volatile January, world stocks start February on firm note
World stocks began the new month on firmer ground, after a volatile January, as reassuring comments from Federal Reserve officials helped to calm rate-hike jitters. A pan-European equity index rallied 1% (.STOXX) Japan’s blue-chip Nikkei (.N225) rose by 0.3%, buoyed by Wall Street’s overnight gains and MSCI’s world stock index rose to its highest in over a week.

BCC calls for improved trade with Europe on the second anniversary of Brexit
On the second anniversary of Brexit the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) is calling for urgent action to improve trade with Europe.This follows reports of lorries stacked up on the A20, waiting to get into the port of Dover. With over half of UK exporters (60 per cent) surveyed by the BCC in November 2021 reporting difficulties in trading with the EU, an increase from 49 per cent in January 2021, the BCC states “clear urgent action is needed.”

Britannia and Mercure named UK’s worst hotel chains as Premier Inn tops poll
Britannia has been ranked as the worst hotel chain in the UK for a ninth consecutive year, according to an annual survey by consumer group Which?.Cheshire-headquartered Britannia, which has 61 hotels across the UK including Liverpool city centre’s Adelphi and Scarisbrick Hotel in Southport, has come bottom of the pile after receiving an average customer score of only 49%.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES:

£50m investment in creative industries announced

Creative businesses will benefit from £50m government investment in an an effort to drive economic growth. The investment includes £21m to help build on the international success of the UK film industry through a three-year UK Global Screen Fund. This follows a successful one-year pilot of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport scheme that has boosted the global reach of UK independent productions, including The Miracle Club (starring Maggie Smith) and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (starring Emma Thompson), administered by the British Film Institute (BFI).

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries outlines strength of the UK’s creative industries
Transcript of the speech, as it was delivered is here

COMMUNITY:

Weekly peer support group available for people living with long covid

The online group is for Stockport residents who can meet and share their experiences and support each other. A short promotional video has been produced to help make the community aware.

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.

Access to Work: factsheet for customers
Factsheet about Access to Work and how it can help overcome barriers to starting or keeping a job if you have a disability or long-term health condition.

COVID-19: provision of night shelters
Operating principles for commissioners and providers of night shelters for people experiencing rough sleeping.

COVID-19 surveillance and immunity studies
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population.

Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
For contacts of a person with a positive test result for COVID-19 who do not live with that person.

Driving test centre waiting rooms during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check which driving test centre waiting rooms are open, and find out what the rules are for using them because of coronavirus

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.

Second ground-breaking antiviral to be deployed to country’s most vulnerable
Thousands of those most at-risk to COVID-19 will soon be able to access the UK’s second ground-breaking antiviral

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains – updated to reflect the lifting of Plan B measures.

PROPERTY:

Supply up in every part of the country according to Rightmove
The supply of new properties coming to the market is up on this time last year in every single region of the country according to Rightmove. In the last week, the number of new properties for sale is up eight per cent in Great Britain compared to the same period last year. The East Midlands, South East, South West, Wales and Yorkshire & The Humber all recorded an increase upwards of 10 per cent in new homes for sale in the last week compared to the same period last year.
Rightmove sees this as an early sign of a better-balanced market to come in 2022. This new wave of sellers coming to market is set against a backdrop of continuing high buyer demand into 2022 – total buyer demand is up 35 per cent within the last

RETAIL:

Shoppers warned of £180 rise in annual food bills
Annual food bills are set to rise by £180 on average as the cost of living squeeze continues to hit household budgets, according to consultants Kantar. Annual grocery inflation was 3.8% over the past four weeks, up from 3.5% in December, Kantar found. Sales of savoury snacks, fresh beef and crisps rose last month, while beer, bacon and vitamins fell Dry January and Veganuary boosted sales of vegan and low alcohol products.

Whitepaper reveals the major challenges for retailers in 2022
Research by software provider Fourth, indicates competition against eCommerce is now seen as a key obstacle to navigate by 37 per cent of retailers in 2022. The new research also shows hiring issues are still intensifying, as sourcing staff post-Brexit and ensuring staff have the correct visas and work permits have become bigger challenges for the industry, rising from 25 per cent in 2021 to 37 per cent in 2022. Keeping the shopfloor Covid-safe for staff and customers has also increased to the third most pressing industry-wide challenge, rising from 26 per cent in 2021 to 35 per cent in 2022.

TRANSPORT:

Carry out international road haulage
What UK goods vehicle operators need to do to carry out international road haulage – added information about registering journeys within Europe from 2 February 2022.

TRAVEL:

Will travel return to normal this summer?

Airlines and tour operators are racing to boost staff numbers in the hope receding travel rules will trigger a summer holiday boom.

The UK will remove all travel testing requirements for fully-vaccinated people next Friday. However, travel agents say destinations’ Covid rules are still putting some Brits off, and many continue to book last minute. There are also warnings of recruitment struggles as the industry ramps up. On Monday, Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary was the latest travel boss to predict a strong bounce-back, as people return to going on holiday.

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 65% have had a booster.

Total UK Cases: 17,315,893 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 92,368 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 15,938
New deaths across UK: 51
Total UK deaths: 176,813 (on death certificate)
England Cases per 100,000: 1,036
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 52,331,601 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2^nd doses: 84%
Daily 1^st doses: 17,652
Daily 2nd doses: 37,477
Daily Booster doses: 52,295

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 28^th 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: 86,479 to 28 January
Cases in the latest week: 2,641 (10 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 825 to January 30th
Cases per 100,000: 989per 100,000 (21 to 27 Jan)

Stockport vaccine data:

1^st dose: 86% of over 12s to 27 January
2^nd dose: 80%
3^rd / booster dose: 64%

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.