Lifting of Covid-19 restrictions from 19 July - Tandridge District Council
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Lifting of Covid-19 restrictions from 19 July
The government has confirmed most legal restrictions and guidance will be lifted as we move to stage 4 of
the government’s roadmap for easing Covid-19 restrictions next week.
This means, from 19 July:
Social distancing restrictions will be removed. There will be no limits on how many people can
meet, the one metre plus rule will be removed (apart from places like hospitals and before passport
control when entering the UK) and face coverings will no longer required by law.
Restrictions on events and gatherings will be removed. Nightclubs can open, pubs and
restaurants do not need to offer table service only and there will be no limits on guests attending
weddings, funerals, concerts, theatres and sporting events.
Travel guidance will change. Guidance recommending against travel to amber countries will be
removed. Fully vaccinated adults in the UK will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days after
returning from amber list countries and under 18s won't need to quarantine.
People currently working from home should start to return to their workplaces gradually.
What guidance will remain in place?
Although the limits on meeting are being removed, people should meet others outside, where
possible.
It is recommended to wear face coverings in crowded public settings such as public transport, unless
you are exempt.
Guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread from 19 July is available and the government
has updated its guidance on protecting clinically extremely vulnerable people from Covid-19.
Protecting your workplace from Covid-19
The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from the virus, including in the
workplace.
Vaccinated people are:
Far less likely to get symptoms from Covid-19.
Even more unlikely to get seriously ill, be admitted to hospital or to die from Covid-19.
Less likely to pass the virus to others, according to evidence.
Anyone aged 18 and over can book a vaccination through the NHS booking service, wait to be contacted
by their GP surgery, or visit a walk-in NHS Covid-19 vaccination site.
For maximum protection, you need to get two doses, so it’s essential to come back for your second
appointment.
For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
Financial support still available for businesses and employees
Although the Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted from 19 July, businesses and employees affected by the
Covid-19 pandemic can still benefit from the range of financial support on offer:
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as the furlough scheme, will remain open until
30 September 2021. Under the scheme, eligible employees will receive 80% of their current salary
for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. Download a step by step guide for employers.
The Job Support Scheme, which was due to replace the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme,
will come into effect when the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will continue until September 2021 with a fifth and
final grant available. The fifth grant will take into account 2019 to 2020 tax returns and will also be
open to those who became self-employed in the 2019 to 2020 tax year. This means some people
may be able to claim, even if they were not eligible for previous grants. The fifth grant covers the
period between May and September and eligible people will be able to claim from late July. This
grant will be worth 80% of three months' average trading profits, capped at £7,500 for those with a
reduction in turnover of 30% or more. For those with a reduction in turnover of less than 30%, the
grant will be worth 30% of three months' average trading profits.
A discretionary one-off payment through the Additional Restrictions Grant will shortly be
available to some businesses severely impacted, but not forced to close, by Covid-19. This scheme
will launch during the week of 26 July.
If your business does not qualify for financial support and is affected by Covid-19, we do have the
discretion to give hardship relief. Please complete our application form.
The government's online platform can help businesses easily access the financial support they are
eligible for during the Covid-19 pandemic. By filling out a simple questionnaire, the business support
finder will signpost business owners and the self-employed to relevant government financial support.
Spreading the word about our great businesses
Over the last few months we have recorded a number of videos with businesses and shoppers to show the range of businesses we have on our doorstep, while also hearing from shoppers about why our high streets are such great places to visit and shop. You can find all the videos on our YouTube channel. Look out for the video crew next week in Oxted and Caterham on Monday 19 and Lingfield and Warlingham on Tuesday 20 July, when we’ll be talking to more businesses and shoppers. If you’d like your business to be featured in our videos, please e-mail communications@tandridge.gov.uk. Applying for Community Infrastructure Levy funds We have changed how we manage requests for funding through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a charge local councils set on new developments to help fund infrastructure, facilities and services. The new process will ensure the allocation of funds is as transparent and objective as possible and has four stages. Stage one – submit an expression of interest Anyone applying for funding through the CIL will need to complete an expression of interest form. To be considered for funding in autumn 2021, completed expression of interest forms must be e- mailed to cilbid@tandridge.gov.uk and received before midnight on 31 July 2021. The minimum CIL funding which can be applied for is £20,000. There is no maximum limit on CIL funding, but applicants will need to demonstrate other funding sources have been explored. Stage two – submit a full application Projects which meet the mandatory criteria in stage one will be sent an application form in mid- August, along with guidance to help complete the application. Applicants will have six weeks to submit their application. More information about the application process is also available. Stage three – attend a working group Applications which meet our criteria will be invited to attend a CIL Working Group in October or November 2021 to present their bids. Stage four – decision by Strategy and Resources Committee If the committee agrees to award CIL funding to an applicant, we will contact the applicant to arrange a contract for the payment of funds. If you have any questions, please e-mail cilbid@tandridge.gov.uk. For auditing purposes, we are not able to accept any enquiries by phone. Only projects which need to be considered this year should be submitted by 31 July 2021. Any expressions of interest received after this will be considered as part of the next funding round, which we expect to be open for stage two applications between December 2021 and January 2022, with funding to be awarded in March or April 2022.
Boost your skills and job prospects with online toolkit The government’s online Skills Toolkit gives people easy access to free, high quality digital and numeracy courses to help them build up their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects. The platform offers a range of courses at all levels, from introductory to advanced, which were chosen in consultation with top businesses and educational experts. It's open to everyone, whether you've been furloughed and want to learn new skills, are out of work and looking to build up your CV, or if you're just keen to keep your mind healthy and busy. Business Safe and Well visit The Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has produced a leaflet to give advice to employers and businesses about making their buildings safe from fire. Organisations can request a free visit from the team to work through the leaflet. Businesses less than two years old and with three or fewer employees can also access three hours of advice about trading standards, environmental health and fire safety for a small fixed fee by joining the Easy 1-2-3 scheme. Larger businesses can access support through a Primary Authority partnership with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards. For more information call 0300 123 2329, or e-mail business.advice@surreycc.gov.uk. Visit Surrey County Council’s website for access to government advice and guidance about fire safety and other business safety matters. Guidance for employers to create new job opportunities
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding for employers to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds
on Universal Credit at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for the funding,
which covers:
100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the
participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of six months.
Associated employer National Insurance contributions.
Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021. More
information on the scheme is available online.
Employing an apprentice?
Businesses and individuals in need of advice on all aspects of apprenticeships can get free and impartial
support and guidance from The Apprenticeships and Skills Hub, delivered in partnership with Tandridge
District Council.
The Hub team provides apprenticeship guidance tailored for the specific needs of organisations and
individuals, reflecting an organisation’s size, sector, client base, objectives and location to help identify
training providers. The team will work with organisations to identify skills gaps, identifying the most relevant
apprenticeship or skills training courses.
Surrey County Council has pledged to support employers in the Tandridge district through the Hub, with
£3,000 available to help employ an apprentice. For more information, e-mail carol.greaves@hants.gov.uk.
Be scam aware
Buckinghamshire Trading Standards is running a series of free Businesses Against Scams online
sessions, aimed at helping businesses of any size raise awareness of the dangers businesses face from
scams. Details of future sessions and how to book are available online.
Free business advice and events
A range of free advice and webinars are available to help support businesses:
Surrey Chambers of Commerce helps businesses by connecting them to opportunities, skills,
knowledge and valuable contacts. More information, including all upcoming events, can be found on
its website or by contacting sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk.
Surrey Chambers is extending its EU Transition support to cover the whole of Surrey, thanks to
funding from C2C and M3 Enterprise Local Enterprise Partnerships. Any businesses struggling with
EU transition issues, particularly documentation requirements, should contact the team for advice
and support. Tailored support is also available for businesses, by contacting sarah.butcher@surrey-
chambers.co.uk or calling 01483 735547 for more information.
The government has produced some videos, giving advice to businesses on requirements for trading
with the EU. The website also offers the opportunity to sign up for future webinars on EU-related
topics.
The Coast to Capital Growth Hub team provides fully funded advice and support to help small and
medium sized businesses connect with business support, experts and funding opportunities, as well
as post EU transition advice. More information, including up to date news and events, can be found
on its website or by visiting the Hub’s Twitter account and subscribing to receive its newsletter. To
speak to a Growth Relationship Manager, complete an online request form.
Coast to Capital is also running a programme to support residents of the Coast to Capital area to
help them become ready to look for employment or re-enter the job market. Details of the Making a
Difference programme are available on Coast to Capital’s website.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is available to help support and protect the interests of
smaller businesses, small business owners and the self-employed by offering advice and guidance
and running virtual events. FSB members have access to advice and guidance, as well as virtual
events coming up on a range of topics. More information, including how to join, can be found
on FSB’s website.
The Business Hot House Programme provides growth opportunities for established SMEs, with a
range of free events on offer.
WSX Enterprise is running a number of online webinars and seminars, including a programme of
webinars on planning, managing and growing your business and a webinar to help businesses
understand the Invest4 Grant Fund criteria and process.
Gatwick Diamond Business is running events designed to help businesses respond innovatively to
new challenges and opportunities. It is also offering up to 90 minutes of free expert advice for
businesses wanting to grow or transform, through Diamond Experts. Mentoring from business
owners who have grown their business is also available, as is training to help equip businesses for
future growth.
Start Up Croydon offers a three day business training programme for £25, giving start-up businesses
an overview of how to create a business plan.
Nescot College has a wide range of apprenticeships across several industries. For more information
contact the Business Centre on 0208 394 8593 or by e-mailing businesscentre@nescot.ac.uk.
GrantFinder is a funding database in the UK covering local, national and international sources of
funding.
HMRC has webinars for employers, their staff and the self-employed. You can watch previously
recorded webinars and register for future webinars, with webinars on topics including the
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support and the Coronavirus
Statutory Sick Pay Rebate schemes.
Funding opportunities
Virgin Start Up Loans offers start up loans from between £500 and £25,000, along with a business
mentor to help make the best use of the loan.
Fredericks Foundation start-up loans and support are available for those who have found it difficult to
access financial support.
The Princes' Trust helps unemployed people aged 18-30, or those who have limited means to start-
up businesses.
The government’s business support finder tool helps businesses find financial support to help them
during the pandemic.
Business advice from Money Saving Expert
Money Saving Expert regularly updates its range of guidance and advice to help businesses during the
current pandemic, including:
Coronavirus help for employees, which includes information on how the furloughing scheme works
and who’s eligible.
Coronavirus self-employed and small limited company help, which includes your rights if you’re self-
employed or the director of a limited company.
A redundancy help guide, with tips on how to prepare financially, plus details of your legal rights
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