Grants and Initiatives Update 13/09/2020

 I hope you are all keeping safe and well. As the new ‘rule of 6’ comes into force and local lockdowns are popping up all around the country, it seems like an ideal time to update you on additional support that has become available.

 As the weather cools, I feel that we will all face new business challenges so thinking ahead and planning for the winter months is always a good idea. My mum used to say to me “failing to plan is planning to fail”. Perhaps she was right!

 For now, I have included some information about grants and initiatives that have become available. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or want to talk anything over. 

 

 England Local Lockdown Grant

As local lockdowns are becoming more prevalent, which will cause more businesses to close yet again, the Government in England have announced a Local Lockdown Grant Scheme. This has been trialled in places like Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham who have all had their local lockdown problems recently.

 

What is the Objective?

·         To support businesses, based in a high Covid-19 incidence area, forced to close as a result of a Government decision.

 

What is the level of support?

·         Large businesses will receive £1,500 per property for every 3 week period of lockdown.

·         Small businesses will receive £1,000 per property for every 3 week period of lockdown.

·         The grant will be taxable.

 

Any businesses not eligible?

·         A business still closed at national level (e.g. night clubs).

·         A business which does not fit the large or small business criteria.

·         A business who is not eligible for the discretionary Local Authority grant.

 

 Covid-19 affected low paid workers additional support

 

Again having trialled this in places like Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, the UK Government are now offering additional financial support to those workers (employed or self-employed) who have to self-isolate due to either contracting Covid-19 or who are caught up in the mess through the NHS Track and Trace process.

 

What is the objective?

·         To provide financial support to people on low income, who have to self-isolate as a result of catching the virus or being in contact with somebody who has, and they can’t work from home.

 

What is the level of support?

·         Those tested positive will receive £130 for their 10 day period of isolation.

·         Members of the household who have to self-isolate for 14 days will receive £182.

·         Non-household contacts advised to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace will be entitled to their individual length of isolation period. £13 per day up to a maximum of £182.

·         This payment does not affect the level of any other benefits received.

 

Who is eligible?

·         Available for those people who are working and are currently receiving either Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits.

·         They must be either tested positive for Covid-19 or

·         Be a member of a household where someone has contracted Covid-19 and they have to self-isolate or

·         Be notified by NHS Test and Trace, as a non-household contact, stating that they need to isolate for a period of time.

·         The individual must agree to comply with the NHS Test and Trace and provide further Covid-19 contact details where applicable.

 

Evidence to be provided?

·         Provide evidence of the test results to the Local Authority that they have tested positive.

·         Provide evidence of the notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate.

·         A bank statement.

·         Note- If no evidence can be provided, the Local Authority can access the NHS Test and Trace system to confirm that a particular individual has been asked to self-isolate.

·         The individual must demonstrate that they are either employed or self-employed (s/e). 

·         Where s/e, the business must be unable to deliver services without social contact.

·         They must be unable to work from home.

 

Who makes the payment?

·         The Local Authority will make the payment within 48 hours of receiving the evidence.

·         Members of the household who have to self-isolate for 14 days will receive £182.

·         Non-household contacts advised to self-isolate, through NHS Test and Trace, will be entitled to their individual length of isolation period. £13 per day up to a maximum of £182.

 

Local authority checks?

·         The Local Authority will put in place compliance and fraud checks such as welfare check-in. phone calls and employment checks.

 

 Take care and enjoy your week. Don’t forget to get in touch if you wish to discuss any of the content in this update.

 

Aaron and The Team