Latest government guidance
On 8 December 2021, the Prime Minister announced that England will be moving to Plan B following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.
The announcement and an overview of the measures can be found on the government's website.
GOV.UK: Prime Minister confirms move to Plan B in England
Make sure you're meeting all current requirements and guidance for your sector. Find out what you should be doing on the government's working safely guidance page.
Omicron hospitality, accommodation and leisure grant
A grant for Sheffield businesses whose main activity is in the hospitality, accommodation or leisure sectors.
Their primary activity must be the provision of face to face services from commercial premises.
Low Carbon Business Support
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.
Digital Innovation Grants
These grants are closed for 2021. It is anticipated that the next round of Digital Innovation Grant applications will open in February 2022.
The Digital Innovation Grant (DIG) programme supports Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Yorkshire to develop their use of digital technology.
The Digital Innovation Grant Programme is an ERDF funded project and Barnsley MBC are the accountable body.
There are grants available through a competitive application process. Following a call for applications, completed applications will be assessed for eligibility then ranked according to a number of economic and inclusive growth indicators. The grant funding will be available for up to 50% of the value of an investment, with a minimum award of £1,000 up to a maximum of £5,000.
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 2022.
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 30 June 2022.
You can view eligibility criteria, find a lender and apply on the gov.uk website.
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
Retail Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Business Rate Relief 2021/22
100% rate relief has finished, but Retail, Hospitality and leisure businesses can still get 66% relief until March 2022.
Contact business rates on business.rates@sheffield.gov.uk for an application form.
Retail Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Business Rate Relief 2022/23
We are aware that Government has recently issued guidance to Local Authorities on the above rate relief and how it will assist businesses in the financial year 2022/23.
- we are currently working through this guidance and will publish more detail in January 2022 on how this will operate and what businesses need to do
- the aim will be to have this relief applied to business rates bills issued in March 2022 for the financial year 2022/23, although if this is subject to an application process this may not be possible in all cases
- currently businesses do not need to do anything in respect of this relief. If this changes we will update businesses here. Please keep checking these pages for any updates
- we encourage any business who has not applied for RHL relief for 2021/22 to do so by emailing business.rates@sheffield.gov.uk
CARF – Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund - Business Rate Relief 2021/22
Government has recently issued guidance to Local Authorities on the above rate relief which was related to an announcement in March 2021. Government announced its intention to provide business rates relief to businesses who had appealed to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for a reduction in their Rateable Value due to a Material Change in Circumstances (MCC) arising out of the Covid -19 pandemic
- we are currently working through this guidance and will publish more detail in January 2022 on how this will operate and which businesses will be eligible
- we know that businesses who have benefited from Retail Hospitality and Leisure Relief, Nursery Relief and Airport Relief will not be eligible for this relief
- this relates to the financial year 2021/22 but can be awarded up to September 2022
- currently businesses do not need to do anything in respect of this relief. If this changes we will update businesses here. Please keep checking these pages for any updates
You can contact Business Rates about other matters at business.rates@sheffield.gov.uk.
Charities support
The Charity Commission has produced advice for the charity sector.
Applications to the Coronavirus Community Support Fund are now closed but the National Lottery Community Fund is continuing to fund projects and organisations supporting communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statutory Sick Pay relief
As increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases means more workers taking time off work, the government is reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS).
The SSPRS will help small and medium-sized employers by reimbursing them for the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences, for up to 2 weeks per employee. Firms will be eligible for the scheme from 21 December 2021 and they will be able to make claims retrospectively from mid-January. More guidance will be published by Government soon.
Employers will be eligible for the scheme if:
- They are UK-based
- They employed fewer than 250 employees as of 30 November 2021
- They had a PAYE payroll system as off 30 November 2021
- They have already paid their employees’ COVID-related SSP
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.