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:
January footfall down 20.8% but shoppers starting a return to High Streets
Retail footfall worsened slightly in January to 20.8% below 2019’s level from a 18.6% drop in December, but there was bounce back on the high street in the second half of the month. The removal of Plan B Covid-19 restrictions meant that overall footfall was 19.2% behind 2019 levels in the latter two weeks of the month, according to Springboard data. This compares to a 21.5% drop in the first two weeks.
However, the improving footfall in the second half of January was only evident on the high street. Footfall strengthened from 28.9% behind 2019 levels in the first two weeks, to 22.4% behind in the second two weeks. In shopping centres and retail parks footfall slightly worsened in the latter half of the month. Across the month, the high street remained the worst hit retail location, with footfall down 26.1% on 2019. This compares to a 25.5% fall in shopping centres and 4.3% in retail parks.
Ryanair ranked worst for handing refunds due to coronavirus
Ryanair has been named as the worst short-haul airline for handling refunds during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey. The Dublin-headquartered carrier received a refund satisfaction score of just 47% in a survey by consumer group Which? More than one in five respondents who booked a Ryanair flight that was either cancelled or they were unable to board due to the virus crisis said it took them more than a month to get a refund, the PA news agency said. British Airways was ranked the second lowest of five airlines for refund satisfaction, with a score of 63%.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport businesses encouraged to back #DRYMESTER campaign
Businesses in Stockport are being encouraged to support a new campaign across Greater Manchester to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, #DRYMESTER. The campaign has been commissioned by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, to raise awareness of the impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure and support parents-to-be to have healthy pregnancies. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): a range of lifelong disabilities including physical, mental, behavioural and learning impairments. Recent prevalence research shows that FASD may affect up to 3.6% of children in Greater Manchester – that’s the equivalent of 1,238 children born each year. However, FASD is entirely preventable if the baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth.
Stockport Jobs Match has launched a new guide to explain the benefits and apprenticeships available locally ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2022.
The annual event, which this year runs from 7th to 13th February, highlights the career opportunities available to people of all ages should they embark on an apprenticeship placement. Stockport Jobs Match’s guide to National Apprenticeship Week 2022 showcases over 100 vacancies currently available with employers in the local area as well as the live and online events taking place and signposting for further career support services. Download the guide
Stockport Council to proceed with £14.5m investment in Stockroom project
This took place at a meeting on Tuesday 1 February and will transform the town centre by providing a new learning and discovery hub at its heart. It also resolved to relocate library services into Stockroom providing a new 21st Century library as part of the project. A recommendation was passed to amend the original decision (7 December 2021) with a cross party working group to be established to develop proposals for relocating the Continuing Education Service into the Central Library Building whilst retaining a library offer. The group will report back to Cabinet later this year with their recommendations.
Rise in cyber attacks warning for North West businesses
The North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) said the threats faced by companies include ransomware attacks. The NWCRC was set up in 2019 as a pilot scheme to support businesses in the region with the growing threat of cyber crime and cyber fraud. Managing director Detective Superintendent Neil Jones said: “Throughout January, we saw an increase of reports of cyber attacks on businesses across the region. Ransomware attacks are an increasing concern, where criminals encrypt businesses’ data and offer to give it back in exchange for a sum of money. This can be crippling and quite scary for any business, especially small businesses.”
MEN: Coronavirus rates fall across all areas of Greater Manchester
Every borough now has an infection rate below the national average for the UK, figures have revealed. The borough recorded a rate of 887.2 cases per 100,000 people in the week ending January 29, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency. There were 2606 positive tests over the last week in Stockport, which is 41 fewer than in the previous week. The week-on-week trend in Stockport is down by two per cent and the latest infection rate is 885.8 cases per 100,000 people.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
CARE HOMES:
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – updated to provide clarification on essential care giver visits during an outbreak
COMMUNITY:
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.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK: 3 February 2022
Estimates of the prevalence of self-reported long COVID and associated activity limitation, using UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey headline results, UK: 2 February 2022
An interim release of latest data from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey containing high level estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse laboratory to collect and test samples. These headline results are a temporary publication presented in advance of our fuller, regular weekly bulletin issued at midday each Friday.
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals – added links to translated versions of booster vaccination information – those aged 16 and over and those aged 12 and over who are at risk.
TRAVEL:
Pre-Covid trading not beyond reach by early 2023
The global travel and tourism sector could recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2023 – perhaps even early 2023 – according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). New research by the council suggests the sector’s contribution to the global economy could reach $8.6 trillion (£6.3 trillion) by the end of the year, just 6.4% behind pre-pandemic levels.
New Zealand reveals oplans to reopen its borders
New Zealand has announced a phased reopening of its borders, as the country starts to ease some of the world’s toughest Covid restrictions. Vaccinated citizens in Australia can go home from 27 February without needing to undergo state mandatory hotel quarantine. Jabbed citizens elsewhere will be allowed in from 13 March, said PM Jacinda Ardern. People will still have to self-isolate for 10 days but can do so at home. New Zealand’s borders have been shut for nearly two years due to the pandemic. In that period, the country of five million people has recorded 53 deaths and about 17,000 Covid cases – very low numbers compared to the rest of the world.
Exemptions from managed quarantine for compassionate reasons
Who can apply to quarantine in a different location for compassionate reasons, and how to apply – updated contact information for enquiries and complaints.
Medical reasons for not staying in a quarantine hotel
Who may quarantine in a different location to a quarantine hotel for medical reasons, and how to apply.
How to quarantine at home after international travel
What to do when you need to quarantine at home or in the place you’re staying after you arrive in England from abroad.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been 17.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 157,000 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: 17,515,199 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 88,085 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 15,233 (475 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 534
Total UK deaths: 157,409
England Cases per 100,000: 1,084
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,373,222 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 12,735
Daily 2nd doses: 26,367
Daily Booster doses: 37,984
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 28th 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: 87,209 to 1 February
Cases in the latest week: 2,606 (41 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 832 to January 28th
Cases per 100,000: 886 per 100,000 (23 to 29 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 27 January
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