
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:
PM announces end of Plan B and revert to Plan A Covid measures in England
Advice to work from home and Covid passports for large venues are both to be dropped from next week. Face coverings will no longer be mandatory – with the requirement dropped for secondary pupils in classrooms from tomorrow.
Organisations can choose to use the NHS Covid pass if they wish and face coverings will no longer be mandatory anywhere in England once restrictions “lapse” – which is set to happen next Wednesday. However, the government will continue to advise that people wear face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when meeting strangers.
PM statement to the House of Commons on COVID-19: 19 January 2022
Plan B measures expected to be eased ahead of 26th January review
The cabinet will review the latest data before Mr Johnson addresses Parliament in the afternoon. A government spokeswoman said the decision was “finely balanced” but the latest data was “encouraging”, with cases falling since early January.
Plan B measures – including face masks and Covid passes – are due to expire on 26 January. The government has committed to reviewing them before this date.
Cost of living rising at fastest pace for 30 years
The UK’s Consumer Prices Index measure of inflation rose to 5.4% from 5.1% in November, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. The last time inflation was higher was in March 1992, when it was 7.1%. And with gas and electricity costs set to increase further soon, some analysts think it could reach that level again.
Increases in prices of furniture and clothing also contributed to December’s rise in the cost of living. “These large rises were slightly offset by petrol prices, which despite being at record levels were stable this month, but rose this time last year,” said ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner. The rate continues to be well above the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target.
Pay rises fail to keep up with cost of living
Average pay rises are failing to keep up with the rise in the cost of living, the latest official statistics show. While wages rose in the year to November, they did not rise as fast as prices over the same period. This meant that average weekly earnings – adjusted for price rises – fell for the first time since July 2020.
“Salaries are growing reasonably strongly, but some people are saying they are not feeling much better due to rising prices,” the ONS told the BBC.
Regular pay, excluding bonuses and adjusted for inflation, fell 1% in November compared to the same month in the previous year.
Bad science and fake social media messaging fuel for anti-vaxxers
Misleading information online has dissuaded some people from taking vaccines. There’s also been violence and vandalism linked to inaccurate or completely made-up claims about 5G and the origins of Covid-19. Removing all this information can be viewed as censorship, so what should happen to scientific misinformation on social media? The Royal Society advises against social media companies removing content that is “legal but harmful”. Instead, the report authors believe, social media sites should adjust their algorithms to prevent it going viral – and stop people making money off false claims.
UK: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, 19 January 2022
First Published: Characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England 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.
WH Smith reports good performance over previous 20 weeks
Prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, WH Smith saw a consistent and encouraging recovery in key Travel markets.
In the High Street, the firm adapted well to the evolving trading environment and delivered a good performance, despite reduced footfall. For the 20 weeks to 15 January 2022, total Group revenue was 85 per cent of 2019 revenue for the period. Also, the firm reports total revenue was at 87 per cent of 2019 revenue for the 20-week period, in line with our expectations. WH Smith acquisitions funkypigeon.com, cultpens.com and the website whsmith.co.uk performed strongly over the 20 week period. Through peak periods, they maintained good stock availability and exited Christmas with a clean stock position.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Report highlights continued North / South divide despite levelling up pledges
Think-tank IPPR has published its annual State of the North report which has revealed the North-South divide in prosperity has continued to widen, despite ‘levelling-up’ pledges by government. The report, published on the IPPR website, has highlighted in particular the disparity between regions in three areas – jobs, net zero, and education – and set out its proposed areas of focus to deliver greater prosperity in the North. Despite two years since the government first promises to level up, IPPR found regional divides had deepened and patterns of centralisation in economic and political spheres had intensified. On jobs, the report found London and the South-East had achieved triple the levels of job creation compared to the North. IPPR also identified that the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged students at GCSE was higher than the England average.
The report also highlighted that despite the North of England producing over 50% of England’s renewable energy, this was failing to translate into a boom in green jobs and wider economic benefits of the transition to net zero.
Big investment in landmark Stockport BTR redevelopment project
A specialist alternative asset manager has committed £12 million, alongside several significant public sector bodies, as part of a public-private partnership to regenerate the Stockport Interchange bus station and develop a £40 million 196-unit Build-to-Rent (BTR) residential building. The money from Gresham House will go towards the scheme, which is being developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and constructed by Willmott Dixon (WD) in their capacity as the main contractor.
The project includes a 14-storey purposely designed BTR building with 70 one-bed and 126 two-bed units in the heart of the town centre. Elsewhere, work will take place to dramatically upgrade the transport infrastructure at the bus station, connectivity to the train station and the amenities for cyclists and walkers.
Stockport businesses coming together to tackle climate change
On Tuesday 15th February, Stockport businesses wanting to take action to reduce their carbon footprint will come together at the first meeting of the Climate Action Business Forum, which was announced at the CAN summit.
Attendees will hear from Man Energy Solutions Ltd about carbon action as a large business, Smith Goodfellow about how to put together an Impact Assessment as an SME (small to medium-sized enterprise), get an update from the Head of Climate Action Now at Stockport Council, learn about the low carbon Pioneer 10 competition, and network with other like-minded businesses who want to be more sustainable.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to your employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The scheme has been reintroduced. You can only claim for employees who were off work on or after 21 December 2021. The maximum number of employees you can claim for is the number you had across your PAYE schemes on 30 November 2021. If the period of absence started before 21 December 2021, you’ll need to use 21 December 2021 as the start date. Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – added information about survey related to LFD results reporting under ‘Purposes for which your data will be used’.
EDUCATION:
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 with information about an extension to the existing ESS arrangements to allow centres to claim additional invigilator costs in cases of staff absence for exams and assessments not previously eligible.
Ofqual: rolling update
Information on qualifications which have been disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update to the private candidate section which states that the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has published a list of schools, colleges and other exam centres that will accept private candidate entries for GCSEs, AS and A levels in summer 2022.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Wetherspoons warns of losses due to latest Omicron curbs
British pub group JD Wetherspoon warned today it would record a loss for the first half of the fiscal year after the Omicron coronavirus variant led to renewed curbs in the country and kept people from heading out over the Christmas period.
UK government advice for people to limit social contacts in the run-up to Christmas in response to an Omicron winter surge left pubs and restaurants largely empty during what should be one of their busiest periods. The pub group said like-for-like sales fell by 11.7% in the 25 weeks to January 16, with second-quarter sales hurt by restrictions imposed by Britain in December.
RETAIL:
Retail 2022: what does the year ahead hold for retail?
2021 was marked by a flurry of transactions with the UK’s third and fourth biggest retailers Asda and Morrisons snapped up, and growth players such as Moonpig, Made.com and InTheStyle making their debut on the stock market. But what will 2022 bring? Retail Gazette pinpoints the three big topics that will dominate retail over the next year.
The shift to online and changing face of the high street
This shift to online has led many retailers to reshape their business with the likes of M&S and John Lewis closing store in the face of growing online sales. Meanwhile, brands such as TM Lewin and Cath Kidston have opted to sell online only.
Sustainability
Retailers will undoubtedly need to evolve with the consumer to hold onto their brand relevance in 2022 and beyond. Sustainability will rise up the agenda as conscious consumerism evolves.
Supply chain disruptionThe UK’s supply chain underwent massive stress in 2021, as vacancies for lorry drivers and warehouse workers rocketed.This inevitably led to retailers – particularly grocers – struggling to stock their shelves.
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 – you can find more information on this in the guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection).
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode – latest data table added for transport use during the coronavirus pandemic.
Developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor transport activity on a timelier basis for topical issues relating to transport – Haulier coronavirus testing updated with the latest data.
Applying for COVID-19 airport and ground operations funding
Information on applying for COVID-19 funding support for commercial airports and ground handlers in England.
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.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been more than 15 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. 83% have had their second and 64% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 15,399,300 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 94,432 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 19,450 (226 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 438
Total UK deaths: 152,513
England Cases per 100,000: 918
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.5
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,133,611 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 15,748
Daily 2nd doses: 26,502
Daily Booster doses: 73,267
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.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 77,576 to 18 January
Cases in the latest week: 2,663 (3,428 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 814 to January 7th (+1 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 905 per 100,000 (8 to 14 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.