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:
NHS Backlog Plan – on hold following Omicron variant
With a record six million patients on hospital waiting lists in England, a plan has been put together to tackle the backlog, made worse by the pandemic. It was due to be published today detailing wide-ranging measures but it’s been put on hold. Sajid Javid told BBC Breakfast the full plan was due to be released in early December but the emergence of the new, more transmissible coronavirus variant meant the focus shifted to the booster programme. The NHS England scheme to deal with waiting times for non-urgent operations and procedures is believed to have been supported across government but reports suggest a last-minute intervention by Whitehall means this will no longer happen – and it’s not clear when the full plan will be made public. But one part of it has been announced, an online service called My Planned Care. It’s going to be launched later this month and allows patients waiting for treatment to get more information and help them prepare for operations.
National Apprenticeships Week: What needs to be done to fill huge number of vacancies
The apprenticeships sector in Greater Manchester is in a “really strong position” but there is still more work to be done to fill the “huge number of vacancies” in the region and encourage employers to take part, according to a pair of experts. The annual National Apprenticeships Week is due to be marked from Monday, February 7, and is aimed at shining a light on the work being done by employers and apprentices across the UK. Naomi Ilagoswa, head of strategic partnerships and external projects at The Growth Company, said there are a “huge number of vacancies to be filled” and that it is just as important to support employers to consider hiring apprentices as it is to encourage people to become one.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone – launch put on hold
After intervention by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, the governement has agreed to put on hold its plans for Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone – CAZ – due to commence this coming May. Coronavirus has impacted on the ability for businesses to be able to afford to upgrade their fleets, the availability of replacement, compliant vehicles and the shortage of computer chips for new vehicles.
A joint statement from Jo Churchill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Cllr Andrew Western, GMCA portfolio lead for clean air: “We met last week and have had further robust and constructive discussions today to find a solution. Air quality is one of our biggest health challenges and we are all completely committed to tackling it. We have agreed to a short time-limited pause. We will work together to deliver, by the middle of the year, a plan for clean air for Greater Manchester, one that is fair to the businesses and residents of the city-region. We will deliver improved air quality as soon as possible, not losing ambition but ensuring we take into account the pandemic, global supply chain challenges, improvements already baked into retrofits and the scope as previously laid out.
We will now work jointly to meet the Greater Manchester and Government requirements on clean air, as soon as possible, and no later than 2026.”
Climate Action for Business – help reduce Stockport’s carbon footprint
There are less than two weeks to go before the borough’s businesses will meet to share their ideas to reduce Stockport’s carbon footprint at the first meeting of the Climate Action Business Forum. The forum, first announced at Stockport Council’s inaugural Climate Action Now (CAN) summit, will take place on Tuesday 15th February as the first in a series of events to support local businesses on their journey to net-zero emissions. The meeting will aim to take businesses beyond the initial stage of understanding climate change and move towards actively addressing and implementing change within their organisations.
The forum is open to all businesses and sectors, creating an opportunity for those that are interested in making a difference to share best practice and access support from organisations such as the Carbon Literacy Project and the Business Growth Hub which is offering funded Journey to Net Zero training.
Statement from Stockport’s Directort of Public Health: Stockport case rates still high
We are still seeing high rates of covid in Stockport – 809.1 per 100,000 or around 339.1 per day. With February half term just a few short weeks away, the government has relaxed travel restrictions for vaccinated people returning to England from abroad.
From Friday, 11 February: if you arrive in England after 4am, these rules will apply:
• Fully vaccinated – from 11 February: you will not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England or after you arrive; you will not need to quarantine when you arrive; you will need to complete a passenger locator form before you travel to England. Check if you can follow the rules for people who are fully vaccinated – this includes people aged 17 and under.
• Not fully vaccinated – from 11 February: you will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test – test to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England; book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test to be taken after you arrive in England; complete a passenger locator form before you travel to England. You will need to book the PCR test before you travel. You will not need to quarantine unless the result of the PCR test is positive.
If you arrive in England before 4am, 11 February you must follow the current rules, as set out in this guidance laid out on the gov.uk website. You’ll also need to check the rules of any country you are planning to visit as some require a lead in period of 14 days after a second vaccination or booster to prove fully vaccinated status or other may impose maximum time periods since your last vaccination. Check the Foreign Office website for entry requirements for individual countries.
Vaccination remains our best defence against Covid-19 and anyone who has still not had a top-up jab should get boosted now.
musicMagpie extends rental offer to tablets, mac books and games consoles
Following the popularity of its smartphone rental offering, Stockport-based re-commerce business, musicMagpie, has announced it has expanded its subscription service into new product categories, including tablets, MacBooks and games consoles. Originally launched in October 2020, musicMagpie’s innovative rental subscription service provides customers with a refurbished mobile phone at no up-front cost, in return for a monthly payment from as little as £8.99 over 12 months, providing a more flexible and affordable option compared to outright purchase of a pay-monthly contract with a mobile network. The smartphone service has already attracted around 13,500 active subscribers (up to 30 November 2021), prompting the business to extend the model into other categories.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may be eligible to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) costs for up to two weeks per employee for COVID-19 related absences from 21 December 2021.
While this is a reintroduction of the scheme which ran until 30 September 2021, it is a new claims period, which means you can claim for eligible employees whether or not you claimed for them under the previous scheme.
Make sure you have the latest information by joining our webinar, COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme 2, which includes:
- Who can claim SSPR
- When to start paying SSPR
- What you can claim under SSPR
- Making a claim
- Connected companies or charities
- Kepping records
During this interactive webinar you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Unfortunately, we are not able to give advice or discuss personal circumstances.
Register here
CARE HOMES:
Designated settings for people discharged to a care home:
Guidance on the designated settings scheme for people discharged from hospital to a care home with a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test – the ‘designated settings’ guidance has been updated throughout in line with the latest clinical advice from UKHSA. This update reflects the change in isolation period in care settings from 14 to 10 days for cases of COVID-19. It also provides information on how individuals can end their isolation before day 10.
COMMUNITY:
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic.
CONSTRUCTION:
Winners named for £1.8bn northwest framework
Galliford Try has scooped the greatest number of lots in the latest major framework renewal for both building and infrastructure projects in the northwest.
Liverpool-based Procure Partnerships has selected 28 firms for its second-generation framework to be used by Oldham Council for its pipeline of works but also is open for all Northwest public sector bodies. The new framework, which covers all sizes of projects from £500,000 and above, comes into use from the start of April and expires in March 2026. In the pool of firms delivering the biggest projects at £30m-plus, newcomers include Bowmer & Kirkland, Graham, Kier, McAlpine and Wates. They join BAM, Morgan Sindall and Willmott Dixon which all renewed their spots.
EDUCATION:
Advance information, summer 2022: letter to responsible officers
Letter from Ofqual to exam boards, informing them of the requirement to publish advance information for exams.
Reported COVID-19 notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
Data on the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 – added data for weeks beginning 10 and 17 January.
How to complete the educational setting status form
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe.
Subject-by-subject support for GCSE, AS and A level students in 2022
Overview of the support being provided for each qualification for students taking GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022.
Ofqual: rolling update
Information on qualifications which have been disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19) – added information about the support measures available to students taking GCSEs, AS and A levels this year. Additional help for students taking exams in summer 2022: postcard
A postcard to share with students and parents showing the measures that have been made to help students in England with exams in GCSEs, AS and A levels.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Platform to improve transparency on wait times and provide additional patient support
Government sets out plans for ‘My Planned Care’ an online platform to provide information and support to patients waiting for elective surgeries
Government launches landmark reviews to tackle health disparities
The government announces leads for independent reviews into ethnic inequalities for medical devices and tobacco control.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation.
Self-isolation for those with COVID-19 can end after 5 full days following 2 negative LFD tests
From Monday 17 January, people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.
PROPERTY:
Agents and the law: Rightmove to host series of critical webinars
Rightmove is running a series of webinars this month focused on legislation affecting agents. Tomorrow the former ARLA Propertymark supreme David Cox will be discussing the English Housing Survey report, alongside other news and regulations affecting agents this month.
TRANSPORT:
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 – Clacket Lane eastbound is now closed.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – changes to international travel rules for England mean the following job exemptions not apply from 11 February 2022: Aerospace Engineers, BBC broadcasting transmission network and services, Business directors, Clinical trials or studies, Data infrastructure maintenance, Downstream oil facility workers, Electronic communication networks, Elite sportsperson (domestic and international), Environment Agency, Film and High-end television production, HS2 workers, IT and telecoms workers, Medicines (human and veterinary), Network Rail workers, Nuclear emergency responder, Nuclear personnel, Offshore oil and gas, OPCW, IAEA and Euratom inspectors, Performing arts professionals, Postal workers, Quality assurance inspectors for human and veterinary medicines, Regular work abroad, Specialist technical workers (goods and services, power infrastructure, space infrastructure, sub-sea telecommunications infrastructure, waste), Water supplies and sewerage services workers.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been nearly *18 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 160,000 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. More than 48 million, 85% have had their second and more than 37 million, 65% have had a booster. *Government case figures now include people in England and Northern Ireland who have tested positive for a second time – after at least a 90-day gap – rather than just first infections.
Total UK Cases: 17,803,325 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 54,095 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 14,634 (215 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 75
Total UK deaths: 158,318
England Cases per 100,000: 1,019
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,427,710 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 13,929
Daily 2nd doses: 27,148
Daily Booster doses: 36,338
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 for England is -3% to +1% per day as of 4 February
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: 87,765 to 4 February
Cases in the latest week: 2,491 (166 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 832 to January 21th
Cases per 100,000: 847 per 100,000 (25 to 31 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 3 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