
Stockport Business Rates Related Schemes:
Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant:
- 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
NOTE: The closing date for applications is at midnight on 18 February 2022. We will not accept any applications after this date.
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
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Health Secretary statement from COVID-19 press conference
“We cannot eradicate this virus, and its future variants. Instead, we must learn to live with COVID, in the same way that we’ve learnt to live with flu, and we’ll be setting out our long-term plan for living with COVID-19 this Spring.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid’s statement from Downing Street press conference – 19 January 2022
From Thursday 27 January:
- Venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS Covid Pass. The NHS Covid Pass can still be used on a voluntary basis as was previously the case in Plan A.
- Face coverings are no longer required by law in any setting. Public health guidance will remain in place, suggesting individuals should continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- The Department for Education will remove national guidance on the use of face coverings in communal areas, with local Directors of Public Health able to recommend the use of face coverings in education settings across their area only where the department and public health experts judge the measure to be proportionate due to specific health concerns. This is a temporary measure and Directors of Public Health continue to advise individual settings experiencing outbreaks.
- Any local introduction of face coverings must be subject to routine review and removed at the earliest opportunity.
England to return to Plan A following the success of the booster programme
Plan B measures will be removed following millions getting the booster, which gives strong protection against Omicron
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 19 January 2022
Slides on coronavirus presented at the press conference on 19 January 2022.
Made in Chelsea stars call on nation to Get Boosted Now
Julius Cowdrey and Miles Nazaire, are calling on the nation to get boosted as the easiest New Year’s health resolution you can make
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Robinsons Brewery to relocate town centre operations to Bredbury
Robinsons Brewery has today announced plans to relocate its Lower Hillgate brewing and head office operations to its packaging centre in Bredbury.
The award-winning family run brewer and pub operator will be investing £12m in the relocation – expected to be completed by 2025 – which will see the installation of a new brewhouse, together with up-to-date, purpose-built office accommodation.
It will mean that all operations including brewing, cask racking, kegging, bottling lines and logistics will be housed on one site for the first time since 1949, which has been a long-held ambition of the Robinson family. The move will provide development opportunities on a prime town centre site.
North-west based bar group: government was “overly cautious” implementing Plan B
The Manchester group behind the Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba brands blamed the government’s “overly cautious” response to Omnicron for the cancellation of Christmas parties during the festive season. Revolution Bars Group said sales over the Christmas period were impacted by the move to ‘Plan B’ including the return of ‘Work from Home’, the implementation of Vaccine Passports for late night bars and government messaging which it says “unhelpfully encouraged the limiting of social interactions.” The impact of this was most felt in the cancellation of office parties with pre-booked revenue down by 39% for the 6-week period to the 1 January 2022 when compared to 2019/20.
Gresham House confirms £12 million investment in Stockport
Gresham House has confirmed its commitment to provide £12 million, alongside several public sector bodies, to develop a £40 million 196-apartment Built-to-Rent (BtR) scheme as part of the Stockport Interchange redevelopment.
The project is part of a public-private partnership that will see Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) develop the former bus station site into a 21st Century transport interchange, with rooftop park and 14-storey apartment building; Willmott Dixon were this week announced as the main contractor for the build.
The apartment scheme will comprise 70 one-bedroom and 126 two-bedroom units that are being purposely designed as build-to-rent accommodation. The Stockport Interchange scheme marks the second investment by Gresham House in the town, having previously backed redevelopment of the former Royal Mail Sorting Office into BtR apartments, just 200 metres for the Interchange site.
Digital Careers upskill programme launches free training courses
SMEs in Stockport are being encouraged to improve the digital skills of their workforce with free training courses from the Digital Careers Upskill Programme.
The programme, part of the GMCA Skills for Growth programme and funded by the European Social Fund, aims to offer local people with new skills and knowledge to progress and help businesses to grow. The scheme offers fully funding digital skills training courses and qualifications across two strands of training:
- Digital Reskill – retraining individuals into digital roles
- Digital Upskill – upskilling individuals already in digital roles
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for pregnant employees
Advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect current guidance on work arrangements and face coverings.
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ Statutory Sick Pay related to COVID-19.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect the fact that the government is no longer advising people to work from home if they can and to reflect the ending of the temporary suspension of the requirement for level 2 apprentices to attempt level 2 FSQs.
CARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in adult care homes
How to access test kits and step-by-step guides on how to use PCR and rapid lateral flow test kits for regular and outbreak testing of residents, staff and visiting professionals – updated to reflect removal of confirmatory PCR after a positive LFT – and updated advice on testing within 90 days of a positive result. Removed ‘COVID-19 testing schedule for a suspected or confirmed outbreak in a care home’ guidance.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations
People with COVID-19 can now end their self-isolation on day 6, if they test negative for COVID-19 on 2 consecutive days. The first test should not be taken before day 5. The government has announced that the measures put in place under Plan B in England will be lifted.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The government has announced that the measures put in place under Plan B in England will be lifted.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home.
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
EDUCATION:
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers.
Updated ‘Higher Education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)’ to align with yesterday’s Plan B announcement. This includes the removal of the recommendation to wear face coverings in teaching settings and communal areas, that mandatory certification will no longer be in place and that people are no longer advised to work from home if they can.
Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools, colleges and exam centres on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – updated the ‘Public health guidance to support exams for 2021 to 2022’ to align with the Plan B announcement on 19 January 2022. This includes the removal of the recommendation to wear face coverings in communal areas from 27 January. We have also made housekeeping changes to streamline the guidance.
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.
Prove your coronavirus (COVID-19) status to work at venues or events operating COVID-19 status checks
Guidance on proving your coronavirus (COVID-19) status if you work at venues or events, and where this is advised – updated ‘What to do if you get a positive test result’ section to reflect change in self-isolation rules – people who test positive can stop self-isolating on day 6 if they have negative rapid lateral flow test results on days 5 and 6. Added a reference to the change in rules on 27 January, when it will no longer be mandatory for venues to check the COVID-19 status of attendees as a condition of entry.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals guidance
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be updated when new advice is available – updated previous references to the government’s Plan B
PROPERTY:
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
SPORT:
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for grassroots sport participants, providers and facility operators
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to organise and participate in grassroots sport and physical activity as safely as possible – added information on the lifting of Plan B measures.
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for elite sport
This guidance sets out information for elite sport organisations on how to reduce the risk from COVID-19. This includes guidance on domestic and cross-border competitions.
TRAVEL:
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – updated ‘What to do if you get a positive test result’ section to reflect change in self-isolation rules – people who test positive can stop self-isolating on day 6 if they have negative rapid lateral flow test results on days 5 and 6. Added a reference to the change in rules on 27 January, when it will no longer be mandatory for venues to check the COVID-19 status of attendees as a condition of entry.
Switzerland set to further ease Covid-19 entry restrictions
Form Saturday (22 January), fully vaccinated international arrivals or those who have recovered from the virus will no longer be required to present a negative test before entering the country. However, those who are not vaccinated or who have not recovered from Covid will still have to take a PCR or rapid antigen test prior to arrival. Due to limited testing capacity, travellers will also no longer be required to take follow-up tests four to seven days after entry. A passenger locator form will only have to be completed by those travelling to Switzerland by plane or on a long-distance bus service.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been more than 15.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 150,000 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: 15,506,750 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 108,069 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 18,979 (496 fewer than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 359
Total UK deaths: 152,872
England Cases per 100,000: 906
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.5
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,151,643 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 18,032
Daily 2nd doses: 29,434
Daily Booster doses: 75,008
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.1 to 1.5 the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 14 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: 77,932 to 19 January
Cases in the latest week: 2,540 (3,302 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 814 to January 7th (+1 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 863per 100,000 (9 to 15 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 17 January
2nd dose: 80%
3rd / booster dose: 63%
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
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.