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Latest government guidance
On 21 February 2022, the Prime Minister gave a statement to Parliament on living with COVID-19 and published the government’s plan for removing the remaining legal restrictions while protecting those vulnerable to COVID-19 and maintaining resilience.
Although legal restrictions have been removed, please continue to keep yourself and others safe by following the Government’s guide to Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Infections in the Workplace.
Coronavirus resources
We’ve created a range of resources to help you manage the risk of COVID-19 to your business, staff and customers.
Grants
Low Carbon Business Support
This programme is now closed.
Specialist Business Advisors will work with Sheffield SMEs to help identify, fund, and implement measures to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. There are low carbon grants available to part fund improvements within businesses which are identified by a free energy audit and a review with a business advisor. The Low Carbon Business Support Project operates across South Yorkshire.
The project runs until June 2023 and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It aims to create a reduction in Greenhouse Gases (GHG) equivalent to 450 tonnes of CO2, as well as increase long-term profitability for businesses.
Contact Business Sheffield on 0114 224 5000 to discuss the Low Carbon Business Support Project and your business specifically.
Business Productivity grant
This grant is now closed.
This grant aims to support Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South Yorkshire to improve their productivity through the provision of capital or revenue grant, and to improve how they measure and report productivity gains.
The grant will provide 50% of funding for projects up to £24,999. The maximum grant that can be awarded per business is £12,499. The other 50% must be provided by the applicant. Priority will be given to applicants that best demonstrate how the grant will have a positive impact on productivity and the creation of new employment opportunities in South Yorkshire.
To apply, please contact Business Sheffield on 0114 224 5000 or email BusinessSheffield@sheffield.gov.uk to discuss the eligibility criteria and your potential application. For more information on the grant, visit the Welcome to Sheffield website.
ReNew Sheffield Call for Projects - Fargate
We are looking for businesses and organisations who want to transform empty shops and underused spaces on Fargate to create long term solutions. Eligible projects could receive a grant for capital works of up to £50,000.
If you would like to submit an Expression of Interest form, the submission deadline is 5 March 2023.
Temporary Coronavirus Pavement Cafe Scheme
Businesses can apply for a temporary pavement cafe consent. This is intended to help get businesses back up and running during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is free and lasts until 30 September 2023.
The licence allows businesses to provide tables, chairs and associated furniture on the public highway or footway immediately outside or adjacent to your premises. This is for customers to consume food and drinks outside, subject to certain conditions.
Loans
Recovery Loan Scheme
The scheme helps businesses access loans and finance so they can recover after the pandemic and transition period. There are some changes to the scheme from 1 January 2022. This scheme is now extended until 2024.
You can view eligibility criteria, find a lender and apply on the gov.uk website.
Rent for council business and community tenants
We encourage council business and community tenants with outstanding rent arrears to make urgent contact with Property Services or ICAM (Income Collection and Management), to discuss repayment plans as appropriate.
Email Property Services at propertyservices@sheffield.gov.uk or ICAM at icam@sheffield.gov.uk.
Support measures
Business Rates Expanded (Capped) Retail, Accommodation, Hospitality and Leisure Scheme Discount 2022-23
For the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, the amount of relief under Expanded Retail, Accommodation, Hospitality and Leisure Discount is set at 50%.
Please note that this discount will not be applied automatically.
If you would like to apply for this discount, please:
- visit the Business Rates Relief page on our website
- read the full details you find under ‘Expanded Retail, Accommodation, Hospitality and Leisure Discount’, and complete the form
- return it by post or email to the addresses on the form
- if your business has multiple properties for which you wish to claim the discount, you’ll need to fill in a form for each
Eligible businesses
The Government guidelines state that to be eligible for the discount the premises must be:
- occupied (empty premises do not qualify)
- have an occupied rates charge for the year (properties receiving 100% Small Business Rate Relief, for example, do not qualify)
- be wholly, or mainly, used for retail purposes for visiting members of the public
Please refer to the Government guidance for qualifying businesses, Expanded retail discount 2020 to 2021: coronavirus response local authority guidance.
If you’re not sure whether your business will qualify for this discount, please contact Business Rates.
Please note that a cash cap and subsidy control obligations apply to the scheme and may affect whether your business is entitled to receive the discount in this period.
Charities support
The Charity Commission has produced advice for the charity sector.
National Lottery Community Fund continues to fund projects and organisations supporting communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Income tax deferral
If you cannot pay because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be able to pay your Self Assessment tax in monthly instalments. Find out more on GOV.UK.
VAT support
The VAT deferral scheme has now closed. If you are still unable to pay the VAT due and need more time contact the HMRC Coronavirus helpline on 0300 200 3835.