Covid-19

COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

Scroll down for the application form links and grant criterias for both the local restrictions grant and the new discretionary additional restrictions grant.

The Government has announced additional financial measures to support businesses affected by Covid-19.

These measures include grants to cover the period Wakefield was in Tier 2 restrictions, as well as the period of national restrictions.

Leisure, Hospitality and Accommodation businesses that occupy premises can access funding to cover the period 14th October 2020 to 4th November 2020.

Businesses legally required to close from the 5th November 2020 to 2nd December 2020 can access up to £3000 to cover the 28 days of national restrictions.

Additional funding is available from 1st November for those businesses legally forced to shut down from 23rd March and who have not been allowed to reopen;-Nightclubs, Dancehalls, Discotheques, Sexual Entertainment Venues and Hostess Bars.

What will I receive?

Example 1. A pub is affected by Tier 2 restrictions, and from 5th November is legally required to close. They will receive a single payment to cover the period 14th October 2020 to 2nd December 2020.

Example 2. A non-essential retail business is legally required to close from 5th November. They will receive a single payment to cover the period 5th November to the 2nd December 2020.

Example 3. A nightclub has been forced to close since March 2020. They will receive a single payment to cover the period 1st November 2020 to 2nd December 2020.

APPLY FOR THE LOCAL RESTRICTION SUPPORT GRANTS!

Wakefield Council are pleased to announce that the online application process for the Local Restrictions Support Grants is now live, Eligible businesses can apply for the grants via Wakefield Councils online application form.

TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT CLICK HERE.

Businesses will be able to apply for all eligible grants in a single form, and receive all eligible grants in a single payment to cover the relevant periods.Businesses will only need to apply once via the online form but are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria set out below in the first instance. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time.

Please note - if you are having trouble completing the form via mobile device please revert back to completing the application form via desktop applicaton.Businesses who occupy business premises can find out more about the Local Restrictions Grand Fund(s) and check the eligibility criteria’s below- if you are still unsure check out our frequently asked questions pdf section below.

PLEASE NOTE...

In order to process the grant application, Central Government have imposed a series of additional verification checks that need to be undertaken, including fraud checks. Whilst we are endeavouring to process and where appropriate, make a payment within 10 working days these checks are out of our hands. Should we require any further information, we will of course come back to you asap. We will also inform you on the outcome of your application at the earliest opportunity.

Local restrictions support grant FAQ's

GRANTS FOR TIER 2

Businesses in the leisure, hospitality & accomodation sectors that were impacted by Tier 2 restrictions may be eligble to recieve a grant under the open local restrictions grant scheme please see below table the figures for open which is what you may recieve.

Scheme	Period	Rateable Value £15,000 and under	Rateable Value £15,001 to £49,999	Rateable Value £50,000 and over
Open	3 wks from 14/10 to 04/11	700.00	1,050.00	1,575.00
Closed Addendum	4 wks from 05/11 to 02/12	1,334.00	2,000.00	3,000.00
Sector	4 days from 1/11 to 4/11	190.57	285.71	428.57

GRANTS FOR NATIONAL RESTRICITONS PERIOD

This is a mandatory grant for businesses that are legally required to close between 5th November 2020 to 2nd December 2020 (a list of businesses mandated to close can be found here)

Grant amounts are fixed and payable as a single payment to cover the 28 day period

Eligible businesses will receive the following:

For properties with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants to be £1,334 per four weeks;
For properties with a rateable value of over £15k and below £51k, grants to be £2,000 per four weeks;
For properties with a rateable value of £51k or over, grants to be £3,000 per four weeks

GRANTS FOR NIGHTTIME ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

From 1st November 2020, Businesses who have been forced to close since March 2020 will be eligible to receive grant support.

Eligible businesses are;

Nightclubs, Dance Halls and Discotheques
Sexual Entertainment Venues and Hostess Bars

The amount they will receive will be as follows;

For businesses with a rateable value of £15k or under, grants to be £667 per 14 days;
For businesses with a rateable value of over £15k and under £51k, grants to be £1000 per 14 days;
For businesses with a rateable value of £51k or over, grants to be £1500 per 14 days;

PLEASE NOTE RE PAYEMENTS...
In order to process the grant application, Central Government have imposed a series of additional verification checks that need to be undertaken, including fraud checks.

Whilst we are endeavouring to process and where appropriate, make a payment within 12 working days these checks are out of our hands.

Should we require any further information, we will of course come back to you asap.

We will also inform you on the outcome of your application at the earliest opportunity.

ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS GRANT

The Government has announced additional financial measures to provide support businesses affected by Covid-1 as a result of national restrictions, covering the 4th November to 2nd December 2020.

Wakefield Council have been allocated discretionary funding under the Additional Restrictions Grant and are pleased to announced that the form for the Additional Restrictions Grant is now live and businesses can apply to the scheme via the application form (see below link) hosted on the corporate website.

APPLY FOR THE GRANT VIA THE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS GRANT APPLICATION FORM HERE.

Businesses will be able to apply for all eligible grants in a single form, and receive all eligible grants in a single payment to cover the relevant periods. Businesses will only need to apply once via the online form: Thank you for your patience during this difficult time.

Please note - Payments will be one off payments made in a discretionary manner.

If you are having trouble completing the form via mobile device please revert back to completing the application form via desktop application.

Businesses who meet the following should check the criteria and apply for the appropriate Additional Restrictions Grant scheme below…

•   ARG1 - Those registered for self-assessment and unable to access SEIS
•   ARG2 - Retail, Leisure and Hospitality supply chain businesses
•   ARG3 - Businesses not able to access funding under National Restrictions

GRANT SCHEME CRITERIA…

ARG1. Those registered for self-assessment and unable to access SEIS

This scheme is designed to support individuals who are self-employed and / or registered for self-assessment, but have been unable to receive financial support under other schemes such as the Self Employment Income Support scheme. This includes, but is not restricted to, those that work from home, freelancers, mobile health and beauty and personal trainers.

Under this scheme eligible applicants will receive a single, one off payment of £1000.
In order to receive the payment, applicants must:

Be registered for self-assessment after 5th April 2019 and on or before 30th October 2020, and have a UTR number as of 4th November 2020
Be able to provide a copy of their UTR number (in the form of wither provide a copy of the letter received from HRMC confirming their UTR number or a screenshot of their online self-assessment account which clearly shows the UTR)
Not be eligible to receive support under the SEIS

ARG2. Retail, Leisure and Hospitality supply chain businesses

It is recognised that under the existing Local Restriction Support Grant Schemes, there are businesses that have been allowed to stay open, but nevertheless have been severely impacted as they rely on those sectors mandate to close. To this end, the ARG 2 scheme will provide one off financial assistance to businesses who meet the following criteria:

•   Have demonstrable fixed property / business costs.
•   Be able to demonstrate a reduction in income of at least 25% compared to the previous year
•   Evidence that they supply to RHL sector

Eligible businesses will receive the following:

•   Businesses with a rateable value and / or fixed property costs Under £15k - £1,000
•   Businesses with a rateable value and / or fixed property costs 15 to 51k - £1,800
•   Businesses with a rateable value and / or fixed property costs 51k over - £2,800

ARG3. Businesses not able to access funding under National Restrictions

Due to the conditionality of grants under national restrictions, there are a number of businesses impacted that may fall outside the eligibility criteria. ARG3 is designed to support those businesses who cannot access any of the other LRSG grants.

Those eligible for this scheme will be businesses that:
•   Have been legally required to close but are not the business rate payer / do not pay rates
•   Rate paying businesses not required to close but severely impacted
•   Those who physically occupy managed workspace / shared accommodation
•   Can provide a copy of their rental / lease agreement

Eligible businesses will receive the following:
• Where the annual rental is up to and including £10,000 pa, a one off grant of £1,800
• Where the annual rental is between £10,001 and over pa, a one off grant of £2,800

If you are a business that meets the above criteria of a scheme please complete the application form here.

Whilst we are endeavouring to process and where appropriate, make a payment within 12 working days these checks are out of our hands.

Should we require any further information, we will of course come back to you asap.

We will also inform you on the outcome of your application at the earliest opportunity.

WHO CAN I TALK TO?

We would encourage you to read the information above, and keep checking back here and the government website for more up to date information as this situation is constantly changing. If you still need to speak to a member of our team, please contact us on businesssupport@wakefield.gov.uk

Alternatively, contact one of our team directly here: 01924 306630

I HAVE CASHFLOW ISSUES WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR ME?

Having trouble related to cash flow? Take a look at our Cash Flow fact sheet to find out more about the Coronavirus Business Interruption loan Scheme here:

SME Cashflow Fact Sheet

The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) will support large businesses, with an annual turnover of over £45 million.

All viable businesses with turnover of more than £45 million per year will be able to apply for up to £25 million of finance. Firms with a turnover of more than £250 million will be able to apply for up to £50 million of finance.

Apply & find out more via our fact sheet:

Coronavirus Large Business Cashflow Fact Sheet:

I'M SELF-EMPLOYED - WHAT HELP IS THERE FOR ME?

The UK Government recognises the continued impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the self-employed and has taken action to provide support.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension provides critical support to the self-employed in the form of two grants, each available for three month periods covering November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021.

Check out our fact sheet below to find out who can claim, what the grant extension covers and how to apply.

Self Employed Fact Sheet

CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION SCHEME

Furlough Scheme Extended and Further Economic Support announced

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 announced.

Employers small or large, charitable or non-profit, are eligible for the extended Job Retention Scheme, which will continue for a further month.

Furlough/Coronvirus Job Retention Scheme Fact Sheet

I HAVE A BUSINESS PREMESIS WHAT HELP IS THERE?

Are you an owner of a Business premises unsure of what help is out there? Take a look at our Rating reliefs for 2020-2021 fact sheet and find out if you are eligible for a grant:

Rating Reliefs for 2020-2021 Fact Sheet

CAN MY BUSINESS REMAIN OPEN OR DOES IT HAVE TO CLOSE ITS DOORS?

Find out if your business has to remain closed or can be opened in a different way via our fact sheet here:

Business operating fact-sheet

PROVIDERS OF GRASSROOTS & GYM/LEISURE FACILITIES

Take a look at the Goverment guidance for people who work in grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities here.

CLOSE CONTACT SERVICES

Take a look at the Goverment guidance for people who provide close contact services, including hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists, dress fitters, tailors and fashion designers here.

PERFORMING ARTS

Take a look at the Goverment guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants here.

HOW TO WORK SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS

Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

The government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible.

How to work safely Fact Sheet

Check out specific Goverment guidance for shops and branches & how to work safely here.

MY BUSINESS IS OPEN BUT I NEED HELP WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES

Find out advice for employers on social distancing via the Goverment website, for specific business in Wakefield check out our fact sheet for how you can get in touch.

Social distancing guidelines for businesses

COVID-19 CHECKLIST FOR BUSINESSES

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 require the closure of particular businesses. Restrictions are also imposed on businesses which are permitted to remain open. It is important that we all follow the government guidelines to limit the spread of coronavirus. Where workplaces are open precautions need to be taken to reduce risks to both the workers and the public. This checklist will help you to put in place measures in your workplace to keep both employees and customers safe.

Covid-19 Business Checklist

WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVRIUS

Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

These 11 guides cover a range of different types of work. 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. Further guidance will be published as more businesses are able to reopen.

Take a look at the range of guides for different types of work

WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR SMALLER BUSINESSES?

On 27th April 2020 the Chancellor announced the Bounce Back loan scheme.

This scheme will help small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to apply for loans of up to £50,000.

Apply and find out more via our Bounce Back loan Fact sheet.

Bounce Back Loan Fact Sheet

WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR CHARITIES?

On Wednesday 8th April the Chancellor set out an extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities

Charities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced.

Covid-19 Support for Charities Fact Sheet

WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR EXPORTERS?

The Goverment can help exporters manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.

Their Export Insurance Policy offers cover against the risk of:

not being paid under an export contract
not being able to recover the costs of performing that contract because of certain events which prevent its performance or lead to its termination

Take a look at our Support for Exporters Fact sheet & find out if you are eligible & how to apply!

Support for Exporters Fact Sheet

WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR INNOVATIVE COMPANIES?

On the 20th April the Goverment announced the Future Fund this scheme will issue convertible loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Future Fund Fact Sheet

WHAT ABOUT MY TAX LIABILIITIES?

Worried about Tax liabilities? Find out key information in relation to Tax payments via our Tax Liabilities fact sheet that will answer all of your questions here:

Tax Liabilities Fact Sheet

I'M AN EMPLOYER, WHAT HELP IS THERE?

Find out what help is out there for employers who are worried about statutory sick pay, NHS sick notes, and laying off staff take a look at our Employer fact sheet to find out the support schemes available:

Employer Fact Sheet

CHECK IF YOU CAN CLAIM BACK SATUTORY SICK PAY PAID TO EMPLOYEES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

If you're an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees' coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

The online service you’ll use to claim back Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is now available. The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will repay employers the Statutory Sick Pay paid to current or former employees - Take a look at our Statutory Sick Pay fact sheet for information & to apply.

Statutory Sick Pay fact sheet

WHAT IF MY STAFF ARE NOT ABLE TO WORK FROM HOME?

All staff are encouraged to work from home where possible. If staff are not able to work from home, they should follow Public Health COVID-19 Stay at home guidance. Take a look at our Working from home fact sheet with useful links:

Working From Home Fact Sheet

I HAVE VACANCIES I NEED TO FILL

Are you a employer who is unsure of employment and skills programmes available to support with filling vacancies? Take a look at our Vacancy fact sheet and find out programmes within the council that can support you:

Vacancy Fact Sheet

AD:VENTURE SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

Expert help to take your business from start-up to scale-up!

Delivering across the Leeds City Region, the AD:VENTURE programme offers a comprehensive and innovative mix of tailored business support to boost growth and develop businesses in their early years. Full programme of support and eligibility criteria can be found here

For Wakefield enquires contact Keith Evans kevans@wakefield.gov.uk and we will arrange for an on-line application process to begin.

If you are looking to access the grant only element of the programme as a new applicant OR current AdVenture client please contact Mindr Paul: mindir.paul@ad-venture.org.uk