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East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Asset Management and Regeneration, Councillor Paul Hayward, introduces this week’s business update:
"With the easing of coronavirus restrictions from 4 July 2020, we are delighted more of East Devon’s businesses will be able to open as long as they follow the secure guidelines. This is great news for local people, jobs and our local economy.
We want to make sure staff and visitors stay safe in this next phase. As part of this, businesses will be asked to help NHS Test and Trace respond to any local outbreaks by collecting contact details from customers. Bars and restaurants are encouraged to check licensing guidance. Self-contained accommodation, including hotels and bed & breakfasts, as well as campsites will be able to open as long as shared facilities are kept clean (see help for businesses below). Most leisure facilities and tourist attractions will be allowed to reopen if they can do so safely, including outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades as well as libraries, social clubs and community centres. Please check the list of businesses which will be able to reopen and those that must remain closed.
The District Council is hopeful that further Government guidance will be issued in the weeks ahead to offer much-needed support, guidance and reassurance to those “restricted” businesses who may feel that they are being unfairly excluded from relaxations on re-opening of the wider economy. It is essential that all customer-facing businesses are able to resume their activities as soon as the evidence supports the safe and secure engagement with their clientele. The Virus has not yet gone away; we must all play our part in minimising the risks, protecting the vulnerable whilst supporting our local economy by shopping locally wherever we can. The District Council is here to serve you all; however we can, whenever we can, wherever we can.
On 4 July, it’s important that people continue to follow two-metre social distancing where possible, but where it is not, people will be advised to keep a social distance of at least one metre apart, while taking mitigations to reduce the risk of transmission. “Close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, bowling alleys, water parks and spas will remain closed for now. I sincerely hope arts organisations will be able to provide live performances as soon as possible.
New sector specific guidance reflects the latest advice with further guidance coming soon as more businesses are able to reopen. There are currently 12 guides covering a range of different types of work including:
- The visitor economy
- Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
- Hotels and other guest accommodation
- Close contact services (hairdressers, tattoists, tailors etc)
- Shops
- Heritage locations
- Vehicles
- Factories and warehouses
- Construction and outdoor work
Early years providers are now able to open for all children and should follow protective measures.
Our discretionary grant fund closed yesterday, with more than 150 applications from local businesses. Applications will be reviewed as soon as possible so that applicants can be notified of the outcomes. Please make sure you subscribe to this business email update to read further news about the fund.
From our incredibly informative business continuity series of webinars, there’s just one left. Book to ‘unlock the power of OneNote’ on Tues 30 June.
Finally, I urge you to check the free toolkits to help businesses with reopening preparation and messages - read more below."
Restarting your business safely
Use these guides and practical tools to help you reopen your business safely:
Halt to business evictions and more support for high street firms
Government will extend measures to prevent high street businesses facing eviction over the summer. A new code provides support to shops and local firms planning their future recovery with their landlord.
More than 100 employees furloughed?
Download a template if you're claiming for 100 or more employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Employees with temporary National Insurance number?
If you’re claiming for an employee with a temporary National Insurance number, you should contact HMRC.
New plans to get Britain building in coronavirus recovery
Measures to help the construction industry boost building and return to work safely are being introduced: Government to extend planning permission deadlines; flexible working hours on construction sites to support social distancing.
Delaying July Self Assessment tax bill
People who pay their tax through Self Assessment and who pay on account can delay their next payment due in July.
Funding roundup
Dairy response fund opens for applications
The dairy response fund has opened for applications from eligible dairy farmers in England in need of support following the coronavirus outbreak. The deadline for applications is 14 August.
Local Digital announces £800k funding for data and digital products
From 1 July, £800,000 of funding will be available for data and digital projects to help councils in England with their COVID-19 recovery and renewal efforts. The scheme invites applications across three thematic areas: Data and reporting; Community engagement; Developing new working practises.
Young Innovators Award
A £5,000 grant, a living allowance and a tailored package of expert support and advice for 18 to 30 year-olds with innovative business ideas.
Research and Development Award
Innovate UK's grants for R&D include Designing Sustainable Plastic Solutions to find ways of reducing the amount of persistent plastic waste entering the environment; Catalysing Green Innovation - strands 1 and 2.
Historic England: COVID-19 Emergency Heritage At Risk Response Fund
Grants for project development works, minor repairs and maintenance of heritage sites that are accessible to the public.
Ecover: Fertilise the Future
A new scheme to provide grants for innovative ideas that demonstrate an environment-friendly approach to sustainable development.
Useful links
Latest Government guidance
Guidance for digital, culture, media and sport sectors
Guidance to get the Tourism and Visitor Economy back up and running is designed to give confidence to the public to safely take domestic holidays and visit attractions on days out from 4 July.
Industry specific guidance:
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do after 4 July
COVID-19 FAQs: what you can and can't do
NHS Test and Trace service
NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) website
The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance to help work safely and control the risks. Working safely during the coronavirus outbreak.
Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards has produced a checklist for businesses to help put workplace measures in place to keep employees and customers safe. Find it here Covid-19 checklist for businesses.
East Devon information
East Devon District Council’s coronavirus hub
Support available for businesses
Support for people who need help
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