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Below we have summarised the latest position (last updated 20 November 2020) on a number of financial measures to assist businesses and individuals who are facing difficulties due to Covid-19. Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Should you wish to discuss matters further, please contact your engagement/relationship partner or email us mail@sgllp.co.uk
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
Deadlines
Re-employing staff
Annual pay periods
The Government has updated the guidance on furloughing under the new scheme (commencing 1 November 2020) employees (including Directors) on annual pay periods.
In order to qualify, the employee must have been included on an RTI submission between 20 March 2020 and 30 October 2020 notifying HMRC of a payment of earnings. Therefore, employees who were ineligible under the previous scheme due to not being included in a submission by 19 March 2020 can now be furloughed.
As claims must be submitted within 14 days of the end of the relevant month, annually paid employees will need to be paid earlier than normal for the period on furlough.
Information being made public
For claims under the scheme for December onwards, HMRC will publish:
Businesses which can establish that this would result in a serious risk of violence or intimidation can request HMRC not to publish their details.
Notice periods
For periods commencing 1 December 2020, claims under the scheme cannot be made for days the employee is serving a contractual or statutory notice period.
Recap:
The Government has extended the scheme to 31 March 2021. The full guidance for the extended scheme has now been published and can be found here.
Grant Eligibility
Businesses closed due to national restrictions including restaurants which can only provide takeaway services.
For each 28 day period:
Further guidance on these business grants can be found here.
Businesses closed due to local restrictions after 9 September.
For each 14 day period:
Further guidance on these business grants can be found here.
Businesses open but impacted by local ‘High’ or ‘Very High’ restrictions since 1 August.
Full eligibility criteria will be determined by local authorities although it is intended to target hospitality, hotel and leisure businesses. Amounts received will be determined by local authorities but the anticipated support is, for each 28 day period:
Further guidance on these business grants can be found here.
Nightclub, dance hall and adult entertainment closed due to national restrictions. A business which has opened as another type of business (such as a bar) is not eligible.
For each 14 day period:
Further guidance on these business grants can be found here.
“Additional restrictions” grants are to support businesses not covered by other support (including businesses that do not pay rates) with eligibility set by local authorities. Click here to find out more.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Due to the extension of the CJRS, the JRB will not be paid in February 2021 but will be delayed to an “appropriate time”.
Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)
From 10 November 2020, companies which previously borrowed under the scheme at less than the maximum amount can apply for a top up which must be done by 31 January 2021. Repayments under the scheme have also been made more flexible with options to:
Loan Schemes
The deadline for applying for Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Future Fund, Bounce Back Loan and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme has been extended to 31 January 2021.
Further details can be found on the British Business Bank website.
Additional Lockdown Support
With the extension of lockdown, the Government has announced additional financial support. This is summarised below, with the full details published here.
Job Support Scheme (JSS)
The JSS, which was scheduled to come in on Sunday 1st November, has been postponed until the furlough scheme ends. Further details can be found here.
Local Restrictions Support Grant
Businesses closed due to local restrictions after 9 September.
For each 14 day period:
Further guidance on these business grants can be found here.
Mortgage Holiday
The existing mortgage holiday will be extended so that borrowers who are impacted by coronavirus and have not yet had a mortgage payment holiday will be entitled to a six month holiday, and those that have already started a mortgage payment holiday will be able to top up to six months without this being recorded on their credit file.
Childcare Entitlement
The Government had previously confirmed that working parents who are in receipt of the new Job Support Scheme (JSS) or extended Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will continue to receive their childcare entitlements even if their income temporarily falls below the threshold.
Businesses in Tier 2
Additional funding will be provided to local councils for grants where Tier 2 restrictions are in force. Eligibility for this grant will be backdated and so will apply for any period since August. Local councils will determine eligibility and how to allocate the amounts paid. Further details can be found here.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
The amount paid for the second tranche for 1 February 2021 to 30 April 2021 has yet to be set.
Job Support Scheme – Open
The JSS, which was scheduled to come in on Sunday 1st November, has been postponed until the furlough scheme ends. Further details can be found here.
Job Support Scheme – Closed
The JSS, which was scheduled to come in on Sunday 1st November, has been postponed until the furlough scheme ends. Further details can be found here.
Support for businesses in areas of lockdown
The Government announced additional support for businesses required to close due to local lockdown restrictions. This can include businesses that are required to provide only delivery and collection services from their premises.
Job Support Scheme
The JSS, which was scheduled to come in on Sunday 1st November, has been postponed until the furlough scheme ends. Further details can be found here.
Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG)
Businesses closed due to local restrictions after 9 September.
For each 14 day period:
Further guidance on these business grants can be found here.
Discretionary Funding
Local councils may make grants of up to £1,500 to:
Applications for grants should be made through the local council.
Extension of Corporate Governance and Insolvency Measures
Measures in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act which were due to expire on 30 September 2020 have been extended:
Income Tax – Deferral of Payment
The Government has provided further details on the option to defer income tax due in January 2021.
Individuals who:
can apply online for, and will automatically be granted, a payment plan. This must be done no later than 60 days from the due date of the tax. Payments must be made by monthly direct debits over 12 months and interest will be charged from 1 February 2021.
For amounts in excess of £30,000 or when a period longer than 12 months is requested, HMRC will need to be contacted directly.
VAT
Statutory Sick Pay
The Government updated their guidance to confirm that, from 26 August 2020, employers can claim for employees who have been notified by the NHS to self-isolate before surgery for up to 14 days.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) Grant Extension
The amount paid for the second tranche for 1 February 2021 to 30 April 2021 has yet to be set.
Grants for businesses affected by local lockdowns
The Government is to introduce grants of either £1,000 or £1,500 paid every 3 weeks to businesses which are forced to shut due to local coronavirus-related restrictions. The grants will be taxable income and will be in addition to other assistance provided.
The higher level of grants will be available to businesses occupying premises with:
The grants will only apply to businesses closed due to a national decision to close businesses in a high incidence area. They will not be available to businesses still closed at a national level.
Grants will be distributed by Local Authorities which will also receive an additional 5% top up to provide grants of up to £1,500 to businesses not eligible under these criteria.
Additional Grants
£20 million of funding to local Growth Hubs to provide support to small and medium sized enterprises in purchasing minor equipment to adapt or adopt new technology and help access specialist professional advice. Additional details can be found here.
Tax-Free Childcare
Full details can be found here.
Furloughed Staff – Salary for Redundancy
The Government announced that from 31 July 2020, statutory redundancy pay will be calculated based on an employee’s normal pay, rather than furlough pay. This also covers other employment rights that rely on average weekly pay, including notice pay, unfair dismissal, and short-time working. However, it does not apply to any enhanced redundancy pay under the individual’s employment contract.
Paying your employees’ personal fuel costs
Although the amount of fuel used is likely to be low in some cases, this does not reduce the income tax arising on the Benefit-in-Kind (BIK). Therefore, it is possible for the resulting tax liability to exceed the amount reimbursed. If you wish to discuss this matter further please contact Steve Williams – Stephen.Williams@sgllp.co.uk
Mini Budget 2020
In his summer update, the Chancellor announced a number of measures to help businesses recover from Covid-19. Whilst further details are to be published, the schemes announced were:
Job Retention Bonus
Due to the extension of the CJRS, the JRB will not be paid in February 2021 but will be delayed to an “appropriate time”.
This is a one-off payment to employers of £1,000 for each eligible employee kept continuously employed until 31 January 2021. The money is for the employer and does not need to be paid to the employee. The bonus is taxable unless it relates to staff that are not employed as part of a business (such as nannies or other domestic staff).
Claims can be made between 15 February and 31 March 2021. Further details can be found here.
VAT Cut for Hospitality Sector
With the fall in the rate of VAT there may be situations where the customer has already agreed a fee/been invoiced/has paid for the service at the higher VAT rate. Further details can be found here. If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect you, please speak to Paddy Behan on 020 7291 5652 or Anthony Martin-Luce on 020 7291 5611.
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme aims to assist young people on Universal Credit aged between 16-24 in finding six month work placements – with the Government paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. Employers can top up this wage.
Details relating to apprenticeship funding can be found here.
Green Jobs
From September 2020, homeowners and landlords can apply for vouchers to make housing more energy efficient. The government will cover two thirds of the cost up to £5,000 per household, and the full cost up to £10,000 for those on low incomes.
Stamp Duty Cut
The Government has increased the Nil Rate Band of Residential SDLT, in England and Northern Ireland, from £125,000 to £500,000. This will apply from 8 July 2020 until 31 March 2021.
Short-Term Home Building Fund Extension
The Government will support small- and medium-sized housebuilders that are unable to access private finance by boosting the Short-Term Home Building Fund, providing an additional £450 million in development finance to smaller firms.
Statutory Sick Pay – TUPE
The Government clarified the guidance to confirm that claims can be made for employees who have transferred under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). Further details can be found here.
Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
The rules were amended so that claims can now be made for employees who are self-isolating because they’ve been notified by the NHS or public health bodies that they’ve come into contact with someone with coronavirus.
In order to claim, an employer will require their Government Gateway user ID. Further details of the scheme, including links to obtaining the Government Gateway user ID, can be found here.
If evidence is required by an employer, those with symptoms of coronavirus can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online and those who live with someone that has symptoms can get a note from the NHS website.
Business Rates Relief
More information can be found here.
Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF)
The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund is now closed. You should have received your grant by 30 September 2020. Contact your local council if you think you’re eligible for a grant but have not yet received it.
Support for Nursery Businesses that pay Business Rates
A business rates holiday will apply for nurseries in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year. Further guidance for local authorities is available in the nursery discount guidance.
Support for Businesses that pay little or no Business Rates
If your business is eligible for SBRR or rural rate relief, you should be contacted by your local authority and do not need to apply.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
The deadline for applying for the CBILS has been extended to 31 January 2021. Further details can be found on the British Business Bank website.
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF)
Under the CCFF, the Bank of England will buy short-term debt from large companies. More information is available here and on the Bank of England website.
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS)
The deadline for applying for the CLBILS has been extended to 31 January 2021. Further details can be found on the British Business Bank website.
Support for Businesses Paying Tax
If you have missed a tax payment or you might miss your next payment due to Covid-19, you should call HMRC’s dedicated helpline: 0800 024 1222. Further details can be found here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – Flexible Furlough
Deferring VAT and Income Tax
Income Tax payments from the self-employed due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system were deferred to January 2021. Any amounts deferred will need to be paid by 31 March 2021.
Protection from Eviction
Under measures to be included in the Coronavirus Bill, no business (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) will be forced out of their premises if they miss a payment in the period to 30 June. Tenants will still be liable for the rent after this period.
Empty Business Rates Relief
Further guidance can be found here.
Employee Expenses
If you wish to discuss matters relating to the taxation of staff expenses further, please contact Steve Williams Stephen.Williams@sgllp.co.uk
Further details of the taxation of staff expenses can be found here.
Additional guidance can be found here.
Insolvency Rules
The Government has published a number of factsheets offering an explanation of the measures in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill 2020. The bill introduces a series of amendments to insolvency and company law in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Workplace Pensions
Further information can be found here.
Future Fund
The deadline for applying for the Future Fund has been extended to 31 January 2021. Further details can be found on the British Business Bank website.
The British Business Bank has also issued some Frequently Asked Questions to assist investors providing the funds to be matched by the loan.
Support Finder Tool
The ‘support finder’ tool aims to help businesses and the self-employed identify what financial support is available to them.
HMRC Video Resources
HMRC has produced a number of videos to help businesses understand the assistance available to them.
Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
From 10 November 2020, companies which previously borrowed under the scheme at less than the maximum amount can apply for a top up which must be done by 31 January 2021. Further details can be found here.
Pension Schemes
Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP)
HMRC have announced a number of measures to assist Pension Schemes. In particular:
Further details can be found here.
Additional Funding to Local Councils
Details of allocations of additional funding to local authorities can be found here.
Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours Free Childcare
HMRC have issued guidance on temporary changes during Coronavirus. Further details can be found here.
Governance Changes
The Government has published a number of factsheets to explain the changes being introduced. The legislation will also ease the administration burden by allowing companies to hold closed AGMs, conduct business and communicate with members electronically, and extends filing deadlines, during the period of the pandemic.
Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund
Eligible businesses can also apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furloughing employees), the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and other coronavirus-related loans. Further details of the grant can be found here.
Guidance on Assessing Going Concern
The ICAEW has prepared a short document to guide businesses in assessing the Going Concern status of their enterprise. Whilst it is written for directors of limited companies (for whom this is a statutory obligation), the points made on forecasting would also be relevant to other business structures considering the impact of Covid-19.
Military Reservists
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance on military reservists has been clarified here.
Support Package for Arts & Culture
The government has announced a £1.57bn package to support Britain’s arts, culture and heritage industries including theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema. Further details can be found here.
Regional Assistance
Should you wish to discuss matters further, please contact your engagement/relationship partner or email us mail@sgllp.co.uk