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ARG and Localities Grants – open for applications
Stockport Council are working out the details of new Covid related business grant schemes based on the government guidance that has just been released to them so will shortly publish the full details of eligibility, application processes and requirements, as well as grant payment levels on the following Council web page as soon as possible – Coronavirus (COVID-19) support for businesses and employees – Stockport Council
Discretionary Grant Scheme:
Following the government announcement on 21 December 2021 regarding financial support for the hospitality sector, Stockport Council is continuing to accept applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant. Applications received from 21st December 2021 will be subject to further review against the detailed guidance from government and may therefore not be successful.
Specific financial support for the hospitality and leisure sector
The government has announced further financial support for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector. This includes a one-off grant of up to £6,000 per premises. SMBC will publish information about qualifying criteria and how businesses can claim the grant on their website HERE
Please check the Council’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) support for businesses and employers web pages regularly to see the latest information available about the grant support available and how to access it – Financial support for businesses and employers
UK NEWS UPDATES:
PCR tests end for asymptomatic cases in England
People without Covid symptoms no longer need a PCR test to confirm a positive lateral flow in England. The change reflects the high prevalence of coronavirus in the community and the accuracy of rapid tests, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. The surge in Omicron cases has seen many with positive lateral flow tests struggling to book a follow-up PCR. The UK has capacity for more than 800,000 daily lab tests but moved closer to its limit in December. On 23 December, a total of 622,948 PCR tests were taken and on 28 December the figure was 630,768, government figures show. And the demand grew further in the first week of 2022, reaching 698,502 PCR tests on 6 January and 613,496 on Sunday 9 January.
It is hoped the change will improve access to PCR tests for people with symptoms and for healthcare, transport and other key workers required to test regularly.
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 31 December 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Very group reports “amazing” Christmas and “strong” trading results
Online retailer The Very Group has reported a strong Christmas performance which it said has been driven by all product categories. The north-west based group operates digital retailer Very.co.uk. For the seven weeks to 24 December 2021 including the Black Friday promotional period, Very retail sales grew strongly at 21.9 per cent year-on-year. Retail sales enjoyed double-digit growth across all four key product categories of electrical, home, fashion and sports and developing categories. The group has also revealed the appointment of Dirk Van den Berghe as non-executive chairman. Henry Birch, chief executive at The Very Group, noted the “amazing Christmas” and “strong” trading results and said they were down to the hardwork and commitment of its people.
Smyths Toys coming to Stockport
Smyths Toys is to open a new store in Stockport’s Peel Centre, occupying the former H&M unit at the town centre retail park. The upcoming opening was revealed by the Manchester Evening News, after images of Smyths Toys posters in place at the vacant store began circulating over Facebook. The toy retailer has not formally revealed plans for the store, and an opening date is currently unknown. The new store will see the H&M unit brought back into use after the Swedish fashion brand closed the branch in January 2021. Plans had been previously approved that would allow the retail park’s owners, the Peel Group, to divide the former large H&M unit into three smaller shops, with the use purposes expanded to allow food and drink outlets to also move into the site.
Findel reveals major rebrand and announces ambitious expansion plans
Findels new brand positioning line following the rebrand, which reflects their heritage and future evolution, is ‘Growing education for generations.’ At the same time as the rebrands, they will be actively expanding our service offer during 2022 through new initiatives and acquisitions of complementary education sector businesses. Initiatives include recruiting 30 more people to cope with increased demand in key areas such as technology and digital marketing, transforming the office accommodation in Hyde and Nottingham and developing new digital and ecommerce technologies alongside a new inventory management system.
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
ARG Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 341
Applications allocated: 45%
Value of Grants issued: £450,500
Locality Boost Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 22
Applications processed / in process: 95%
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Full customs controls came into effect on 1?? ?January?? ?2022. You might be affected if you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU).
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs:
Call HMRC Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends. You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat.
The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support. HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – updated ‘get tested and self isolate if required’ chapter with new guidance that most people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms but get a positive rapid lateral flow test result will not need to take a PCR test to confirm it.
CARE:
Adult Social Care Omicron Support Fund
Provides information on the Adult Social Care Omicron Support Fund, including distribution of funds, reporting requirements and guidance on how this funding can be used by local authorities.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Updated to remove requirement for people testing positive on an LFD test to have a confirmatory PCR test.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated to remove requirement for people testing positive on an LFD test to have a confirmatory PCR test.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Antibody testing for coronavirus: privacy information’.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – update to processing dates table.
CONSTRUCTION:
The Glenigan UK Construction Industry Forecast 2022-2023 paints a positive picture for construction over the next two years.
Despite disruptions, the sector’s rebound is still on track with the value of underlying project starts set to rise 7% in 2022 and by a further 5% in 2023. This 34-page report is a must-read for anyone looking for expert and dependable insight into the opportunities and threats that will face all sectors of the construction industry over the next two years. Download your free 34-page copy here
EDUCATION:
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020 – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: 23 March 2020 to 6 January 2022’.
Laptops, tablets and connectivity data as of 11 January 2022
The government is providing an additional 500,000 devices in AY2021/22 to schools, colleges, academy trusts (trusts) and local authorities (LAs) via our Get Help With Technology programme. This is following the successful delivery of over 1.3 million laptops and tablets in AY19/20 and AY20/21 to help schools, colleges and LAs throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
People with a positive lateral flow test no longer required to take confirmatory PCR test
From 11 January, most people with a positive lateral flow test do not need to take a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm they have COVID-19.
First published.
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 – added data for 10 January and updated versions of the 6 and 7 January spreadsheets.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – update to government guideline dates.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be updated when new information is available – edited date of government update.
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the pandemic – update to government guideline dates
PROPERTY:
New Normal means fewer house sales and less lending
Mortgage lenders serving the housing market are set for a quieter 2022 after the unprecedented levels of activity seen in 2021, according to the latest report from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association. IMLA estimates that the total value of housing transactions reached a record of nearly £370 billion in 2021. However, IMLA’s 2022 New Normal report predicts a decrease in gross mortgage lending to £275 billion this year, with a further fall to £265 billion in 2023. The report, which makes a series of predictions about the mortgage market over the coming year, observes that the remortgage market will be stronger in 2022, reaching £89 billion, compared to £82 billion in 2021. This is a result of lenders prioritising house purchase lending during last year’s stamp duty holiday, with lower predicted house purchase volumes going forward encouraging lenders to focus more heavily on the remortgage market.
RETAIL:
Christmas Revenue Rise for Hotter Shoes despite Covid and supply chain disruption
Hotter Shoes’ revenue jumped by almost 10% in the lead up to Christmas ahead of its newly rebranded parent company relisting on AIM at the end of the month.
The Lancashire-headquartered company added its gross margin continued to perform positively at 65.5% during November and December.
In a statement, the firm said its “robust performance” was achieved “despite supply chain cost and availability issues, coupled with the negative impact of Omicron suppressing high street demand in the latter weeks of December is encouraging”.
TRAVEL:
COVID-19: guidance for providers of accommodation for asylum seekers
Guidance aimed at all staff involved in the support of asylum seekers in all accommodation settings – guidance updated to reflect changes to testing requirements for incoming travellers to England.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 14 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 150,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 83% have had their second and 62% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 14,617,314 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 142,224 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 18,655 (170 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 77
Total UK deaths: 150,230
England Cases per 100,000: 1,643
R number in UK: 1.2 – 1.5
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,974,605 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 22,025
Daily 2nd doses: 31,360
Daily Booster doses: 141,495
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.2 to 1.5 the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 7 January 2022.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 74,328 to 10 January
Cases in the latest week: 6,508 (-105 compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 812 to December 24th (+2 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 2,212 per 100,000 (31 Dec to 6 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 6 January
2nd dose: 79%
3rd / booster dose: 62%
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.