This page was last updated on 23 November at 13:23.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended for a month with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked and further economic support has been announced. Click here to learn more about the extension of the furlough scheme.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased, with the third grant covering November to January calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500. Click here for the full announcement from the Chancellor.
The government is increasing its support to the self-employed over the coming months and ensuring people get paid faster than previously planned. Click here to learn more about self-employed support.
There are guides covering a range of different types of work on the gov.uk website. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep people safe:
Please find the guidance related to your business:
The following leaflet should be used by Northumberland's hotel, B&B and holiday rental accomdation owners. It provides information for guests on what to do if they have COVID-19 symptoms while visiting Northumberland. Business owner's should print off the guide and make it available to guests. Click here to view the guide on what do if you have COVID-19 symptoms while visiting Northumberland.
New legislation called the Business and Planning Act 2020 came into force on 22 July 2020 allowing businesses to apply for a Pavement Licence to place removable furniture on certain highways adjacent to their premises for the purposes of selling/serving and/or consuming food and drink outdoors. Pavement Licences are a temporary measure brought in under the provisions of Part 1 of the 2020 Act. The intended aim of this new legislation is to support businesses serving food and drink (including - but not limited to - bars, restaurants and cafes) to survive the pandemic. These measures will remain in force until 30th September 2021.
Click here for guidance issued by the Government for the new pavement licenses (outdoor seating proposal). The guidance refers to 5 days for both the consultation and determination periods, however this has been updated to 7 days in Act itself. The Government’s new pavement licensing regime expects that:
Northumberland County Council wants to do all it can to safeguard public health while supporting our economic recovery. The Council recognises that current social distancing guidelines will have considerable impact on the capacity of cafes, pubs and restaurants to accommodate customers. The Council also recognises that there may be some existing practices in relation to the placement of furniture on the highway that may not comply with this new legislation. This process should be used only when applying to use a pavement adjacent to the premises for the purposes of selling/serving and/or consuming food and drink outdoors.
Please click on the drop down boxes below to apply for a pavement licence and learn more:
This page was last updated 20 November at 11:21.
The Government has announced a number of grant schemes for business which have been required to close due to national lockdown restrictions, and also for those which remained open during regional or national Tier 2 (High) Covid restrictions, but were severely impacted by them.
You can find out more and apply on our dedicated Local Restrictions Grant page:
The Covid-19 Discretionary Grant Fund was launched by Government in May and closed on Friday 28 August at midnight. The fund was primarily aimed at small and micro businesses with high ongoing fixed property-related costs, and businesses which could demonstrate that they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis. If you have queries about the Covid-19 Discretionary Grant Fund, please email NCCdiscretionarygrant@northumberland.gov.uk.
These grant funds were launched by Government in March.
The Small Business Grant Fund was for local businesses which usually receive Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief may qualify for the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) of £10,000. The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund was for retail, hospitality or leisure businesses may qualify for a grant of £10,000 (if their rateable value is below £15,000), or a grant of £25,000 (if their rateable value is between £15,001 and £51,000), under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF). Both funds are now closed. If you have any queries about applications please email covidbusinessgrants@northumberland.gov.uk.
This fund is for companies which are facing financing difficulties due to COVID-19. The loans range from £125,000 to £5 million (subject to at least equal match funding from private investors), and may be an option for businesses unable to access other government support. The scheme is open for applications until the end of September 2020. Please click here to apply for the coronavirus Future Fund.
The Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan will help both small and medium-sized businesses affected by the pandemic. Businesses will be able to apply for loans from £2,000 to £50,000, with no fees or interest for the first 12 months. Please click here to apply for the coronavirus Bounce Back Loan.
The Government has announced the intention to increase the Business Rates retail discount in England to 100% for the 2020-21 tax year for properties below £51,000 rateable value.
All retail/hospitality/leisure businesses in England will get a 100% retail rates relief discount for the next 12 months.
The UK Government has produced guidance for employers about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and how to treat staff presenting with symptoms. The guide also provides information on support for employers and businesses.
If you are due to make a self-assessment payment to HMRC on 31 July 2020, you can now have this payment deferred until January 2021.
A dedicated helpline has been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress caused by COVID-19 and with outstanding tax liabilities to receive support with their tax affairs.
Export, supply, and UK Export Finance may have also been impacted by COVID-19.
To keep up to date with the latest updates and guidance visit the North East Growth Hub COVID-19 Toolkit:
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