Government support & guidance

Edition 40 – Wednesday 27 January

Supporting vulnerable children
Hampshire County Council has confirmed that extra funding worth £320,000 will be made available for childcare, voluntary and charitable organisations to provide activities and food for vulnerable Hampshire children during the February half term. The additional funding has been allocated to the existing Community Grants scheme, which is part of the ‘connect4communities’ programme.

VCSEs: A guide to working with government
The Cabinet Office and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have been working together to “unlock the barriers” that have prevented VCSEs entering the public sector market in the past. They have created a guide aimed at bringing more charities and social enterprises into public sector supply chains.
Click here to read the guidance

Community testing
Hampshire County Council and partners are currently finalising a bid to the Department of Health and Social Care for funding to support the roll out of asymptomatic testing in Hampshire. This will complement the wider national lateral flow device testing (asymptomatic) programme and the various symptomatic testing options available. The proposal broadly is for:
A number of testing sites across the area – but local discussions will determine the final locations;

• A 8-12 week initial programme of testing to begin next month;
• The sites to operate extended opening hours to ensure convenience for local workers.

The aim of the programme is to identify more people with the virus and break the chain of transmission by targeting specific occupational groups who have to leave their home to work.

Updated guidance on Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme
HMRC has updated its guidance on the Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme to confirm that employees may be furloughed if they are unable to work or are working reduced hours because of caring responsibilities which have arisen as a result of covid-19. The amended guidance states that caring responsibilities include caring for:
children who are at home as a result of the closure of schools or childcare facilities
a vulnerable individual in the household

HSE guidance
For a full range of Covid-related information and advice visit HSE’s Covid-19 pages

This includes information on:

• Protecting home workers
  Advice on lone working without supervision, display screen equipment and stress
• Ventilation and air conditioning during the pandemic
  How to identify poorly ventilated areas of your workplace and steps you can take to improve ventilation

Extra Covid-19 protections for rough sleepers
Extra support to help protect rough sleepers from the effects of Covid-19 has been announced by the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Backed by an additional £10 million in funding, all councils in England are being asked to redouble their efforts to help accommodate all those currently sleeping rough and ensure they are swiftly registered with a GP, where they are not already.

This will ensure they can be protected from the virus and contacted to receive vaccinations in line with the priority groups outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Appeals about school places
The Department for Education has updated the guidance on appeals for school places to state that appeals due to Covid-19 have been extended until 30 September.

REACT study
The interim findings from the eighth report of REACT, one of the country’s largest studies into Covid-19 infections in England, have been published by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI. The findings show that there is no evidence of decline in Covid-19 cases.

Migrant health
Public Health England has updated the guidance on NHS entitlements for migrant patients with new information on Covid-19 treatment and vaccination.

Edition 38 – Wednesday 13 January

#ClubsInCrisis
Made By Sport is launching a #ClubsInCrisis Competition to create a platform for clubs to share their stories and to help to continue to raise awareness of the massive social value of our local sports clubs and organisations. Help them to tell the stories of #ClubsInCrisis and you might win £5,000 in cash to help your club.
Click here for full details of what to do

Edition 37 – Wednesday 8 January

Govt grants
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced new grants to help businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries. The one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses are worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the spring. A further £594 million is also being made available nationally to support other businesses not eligible for the grants,that might be affected by the restrictions. We’ll let you know further details on these scheme and how you can apply as soon as we know.
View government guidance

CJRS December claims open
You can now submit your claims under the Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for periods in December. These must be made by 14‌‌ January‌‌ 2021. The HMRC are running monthly webinars on CJRS and the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, including who can claim, who you can claim for, how to make a claim and what you may be entitled to.
Register here

Edition 36 – Wednesday 16 November

Test and Trace Support Payment scheme
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has updated the guidance on who can claim the Test and Trace Support Payment and how to apply. This includes information on how contacts identified through the Covid-19 app can now apply for the payment.

Rough sleepers
The Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Kelly Tolhurst, has announced additional funding to support rough sleepers to recover from drug and alcohol misuse.

Places of worship and special religious services
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has updated the guidance on how places of worship can open, for limited permitted activities, in a manner that is safe and in line with local tier restrictions. The update includes further information on celebrating religious festivals.

Covid-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Following the implementation of the tier system, the Government has updated the guidance for managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities, to ensure safe re-opening multi-purpose buildings. It signposts to relevant guidance on a range of different activities that can take place in these spaces.
Click here for the updated guidance

Guidance for landlords and tenants
MHCLG has updated the guidance for councils, landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors. The update includes further advice on communal lounges in specialist sheltered and retirement housing as well as advice on canteens in extra-care housing.

Furlough scheme webinars
Make sure you have the latest information by joining the HMRC’s live Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme webinar on Friday 18 December. The webinar includes who can claim, who you can claim for, how to calculate what you can claim and how to make a claim.
Register here

HMRC are also running monthly webinars on the Covid-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Get the latest information on who can claim, who you can claim for, how to make a claim, what you may be entitled to, and more.

Next one is Friday 15 January 2021
Register here

Edition 33 – Wednesday 18 November

Furlough
The Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has now been extended until 31 March 2021 with employees receiving 80 per cent of their current salary for hours not worked. You need to submit any claims for periods up to 31 October on or before 30‌‌‌ ‌November and you can also now apply for CJRS for periods from 1 ‌November. You will need to submit any claims for November by 14‌‌ ‌December
More information here

Guidance for people leading a nomadic life
Some Gypsies and Travellers, especially those living in caravans, in vehicles and canal boats, are likely to be disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 and social distancing or self-isolation can be particularly challenging for members of these communities. The government has therefore published public health guidance to help those leading a nomadic way of life.

Edition 31 – Wednesday 4 November

County Council service updates
Following the announcement of Lockdown 2, Hampshire County Council have stated the following (from Thursday 5th November):

• Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will stay open. The booking service will remain, and residents are reminded of how to safely visit HWRCs in a press release
• Hampshire Highways improvement works will continue
• Country parks and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens will remain open
• Registration Services will be limited. Weddings and Civil Partnership ceremonies will not take place. Birth registrations can be completed over the telephone or online.
• The Hampshire Covid-19 Helpline – 0333 370 4000 – remains open to support vulnerable residents. The Connect to Support Hampshire website has a Covid-19 resource page with information

Care homes and domiciliary care use of gloves
Public Health England has updated the working safely guidance for care homes and domiciliary care with updated guidance on the use of gloves.

Pupils displaying symptoms
The Department for Education (DfE) has published a list of actions that early years, schools and further education colleges must follow in the event that a child or young person displays symptoms or if they confirm they have tested positive for Covid-19.

Work Coaches
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that 4,500 new Work Coaches for the Jobcentre frontline will be trained to help jobseekers get the support they need to find a job, retrain or gain vital practical experience. The next round of Work Coach recruitment will begin in mid-November, with thousands of new vacancies available.

Prescriptions
DHSC has announced that patients won’t need to sign prescription, dental and ophthalmic forms until 31 March 2021. This is to avoid cross contamination and minimise the handling of paperwork when collecting medicines or receiving dental or eye care.

Nightingale Court – Winchester
A Nightingale Court will be temporarily located at the Guildhall, Winchester until June 2021.

Nightingale Courts are being set up across the UK to manage a backlog of legal cases that have built up due to limited capacity in existing courts of law and the social distancing requirements now in place due to the pandemic. In total, 16 Nightingale Courts are now open nationwide. [I was confused because Nightingale Court sounds like a lovely leafy address in an Agatha Christie novel. Terrible disappointment to realise it’s basically a pop-up court].

Edition 29 – Thursday 15 October

Job Support Scheme
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) will be expanded to support businesses which are required to close their premises as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, the Chancellor announced on 9th October. The Government will support eligible businesses by paying two thirds of each employees’ salary (or 67%), up to a maximum of £2,100 a month. Additionally, cash grants for businesses required to close in local lockdowns were also increased to up to £3,000 per month.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
The Government has updated the guidance on how different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Support for jobseekers
The Government has launched a new employment programme for job seekers, Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS). The £238 million programme will provide enhanced support for claimants who have been out of work for three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Job Retention Bonus
The Treasury has published further information on how businesses can claim the Government’s Job Retention Bonus. New guidance sets out information for employers who have furloughed employees on how to claim the bonus.

Animations
Hampshire County Council is promoting key public health messages to Hampshire residents. The Rule of Six animation has been one of HCC’s most successful Covid-19 animations.

A new campaign on social distancing launched on 9th October. The short and informative animation reminds people why safely distancing at two metres from people they don’t live with is vital to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Food businesses
The Government has updated the guidance for food businesses to include businesses closing at 10pm, collecting NHS Test and Trace information and working from home.

Covid-19: providing unpaid care to adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults
The Government has updated its guidance for people providing unpaid care to adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults during the Covid-19 outbreak. The updates relate to the changes in social distancing guidance and include an “easy-to-read counterpart” on staying alert and safe, Covid-19 outbreak FAQs and guidance on meeting with others safely.
Click here to view the advice

Edition 27 – Wednesday 30 September

Covid-19 Honours
The Government has confirmed that the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, which was due to be published in June, will be released on Saturday 10 October. The list will recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the UK’s Covid-19 response.

Edition 25 – Wednesday 16 September

Covid-19 cost tracker
The National Audit Office (NAO) has launched a cost tracker to provide an independent summary of the estimated costs of the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic to date. The NAO estimates that, up to 7 August, the Government had announced over 190 measures, which have a total estimated cost of £210 billion. The NAO estimates government has so far spent over £70 billion, with several measures still to be fully implemented. [That sounds seriously depressing – not one for me]

Charities could save millions after HMRC updates VAT guidance
Charities could make significant savings in VAT on digital advertising costs after HM Revenue & Customs issued updated guidance. HMRC had previously said that most digital advertising should be subject to VAT, and had raised assessments to recover VAT from some advertising agencies. In July, HMRC said that VAT was no longer considered due on internet search browsing ads, except where they appeared on personal social media accounts. The amendment follows discussions with the Charity Tax Group, which said: “This will not only save an element of VAT cost, but makes the application of the policy a great deal simpler, with the only boundary line as between sites where there are personal accounts and ones without.”

Edition 23 – Wednesday 2 September

Resources to help schools and community groups contribute to Covid-19 inquiry
The government’s Covid-19 Committee has produced some discussion packs to help schools and community groups have their say. The Committee are asking people to share their views about what impact the Covid-19 pandemic might have on our daily lives, and on society, in the long-term. Members are keen to hear as wide a range of views as possible and want to make it easy for people to contribute.

• Covid-19 Committee discussion pack for under 18s
• Covid-19 Committee discussion pack for adult groups
• Call for evidence
• Inquiry: Life beyond Covid-19
• Covid-19 Committee

Members are asking organisations and groups of all shapes and size to help them by organising a (virtual) group discussion using the pack, and then feeding back the main points to the Committee using the form provided. The deadline for responses is 18 September.

Guidance for childrens’ clubs
Guidance for holiday, after-school and out of school settings has been updated.

Illegal gatherings
The Home Office has confirmed that a new criminal offence for people organising or facilitating unlawful gatherings comes into force on Friday 28 August. Those facilitating or organising illegal gatherings of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine.

Edition 19 – Wednesday 5 August

“Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history” will be rolled out this winter
The Government has announced that it will be opening up the free flu vaccine to a new age group – 50 to 64 year olds.
In addition a free flu vaccine will also be available to:

• people who are on the shielded patient list and members of their household
• all school year groups up to year 7
• people aged over 65, pregnant women, those with pre-existing conditions including at-risk under 2s

Major new campaign encourages millions to lose weight and cut Covid-19 risk
A new national campaign has been launched to encourage millions of adults to kick start their health and reduce their risk of serious illness, including Covid-19. The campaign encourages adults to introduce changes that will help them work towards a healthier weight, with a suite of free tools and apps supporting people to eat better, drink less alcohol and get active. This includes a new app for the free 12-week NHS Weight Loss Plan, helping people make healthier food choices and learn skills to prevent weight gain. Click here for more details

Covid-19: providing unpaid care
The Department of Health and Social Care has released updated guidance for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the Covid-19 outbreak.
This includes guidance on face coverings, face masks and protective clothing, on how to get tested; and contact details for NHS Volunteer Responders.
Click here for more details

Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme updates
The government has launched a calculator to help employers with their next Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme claims. Employers can use the calculator to work out how much they have to pay their furloughed and flexibly furloughed employees. It’s worth noting that from 1 August the scheme will no longer fund employers’ National Insurance (NI) and pensions contributions. Employers will have to make these payments from their own resources for all employees, whether furloughed or not. Use calculator

HMRC has also published guidance outlining what employers who have claimed too much, or not enough, from the Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme need to do. Find out more

Edition 17 – Wednesday 15 July

Cultural and heritage organisations to receive a £1.57bn support package
The UK’s arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a £1.57 billion rescue package to help weather the impact of Covid-19, the government has announced.

Organisations – many of which are charities – across the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

The money will provide a lifeline to cultural and heritage organisations hit hard by the pandemic. Plus funding to restart paused projects will help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.

Click here for more details about the announcement[I’m absolutely gutted that it’s too late for Nuffield Southampton Theatres]

Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme
HMRC has published guidance to support businesses to claim through the Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme for individuals who are not employees. This is possible when the individual is paid via PAYE and may include: office holders, agency workers and contingent workers in the public sector, among others.

Holiday and after-school clubs
The Department for Education has updated the guidance for providers offering out-of-school settings with new content on group sizes (including the position for early years settings which provide care for both those under and over the age of 5). They have also added information on the opening of indoor sports facilities, and when providers will be able to use these venues. They have also updated the guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings.

Companies House
Companies House has announced that they will lift the temporary easement measures to suspend voluntary strike off action in response to Covid-19. The measures will be lifted from 10 September. [I don’t actually understand what this means – but hopefully it’ll be useful to someone].

Cultural institutions
The Government has announced changes to the planning system in an attempt to save theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues. Councils will now need to take the temporary impact of Covid-19 into account when considering permission for change of use, redevelopment or demolition of such venues. A written ministerial statement will be laid to outline the planning changes and will have immediate effect on the planning system.

Reduced VAT rate
A new temporary reduced rate of VAT of 5% has been announced for certain things. This temporary rate will apply from 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021. The reduced rate will apply to hospitality, hotel and holiday accommodation, and those who charge admissions that are currently taxable at the standard rate. This includes shows, theatres, concerts, museums, cinemas, exhibitions and similar cultural events and facilities.

Eat Out to Help Out
HMRC has published promotional materials for use by establishments who are taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme including posters and images. From 13th July, businesses are able to register for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

Government announces £40 million green jobs challenge fund
The £40 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund will bring forward funding to help charities and environmental organisations start work on projects across England to restore nature and tackle climate change.

The fund will help conservation organisations and their suppliers create up to 3,000 jobs and safeguard up to 2,000 others in areas such as protecting species, finding nature-based solutions to tackling climate change, conservation rangers and connecting people with the outdoors.
More information

Edition 15 – Wednesday 1 July

What you can and can’t do after 4 July…
The Government has set out its plan to return to “as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can”. They have produced a guide outlining who can do what where and when. This guidance includes what venues can or can’t be opened, what you can do if you are a clinically vulnerable person and the Covid-19 secure safety guidelines for organisations. Click here for the full list

Edition 11 – Wednesday 3 May

Economic stimulus
Following Friday’s announcements the Financial Times says that “Ministers are preparing to unveil an economic stimulus package in July, in an attempt to mitigate what is expected to be the biggest recession in living memory following the Covid-19 crisis.” Infrastructure organisations are already working on a plan to lobby HM Treasury to see how proposals might affect the voluntary and community sector. We’ll keep you posted.

Government updates
The Government has recently updated its guidance on what you can and can’t, or should and shouldn’t, do as the lockdown eases.

Some updated links:

• Covid-19 outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do – updated 1 Jun 2020
• Guidance on shielding – updated 31 May 2020
• Covid-19 Job Retention Scheme – updated 29 May 2020
• Working safely during Covid-19 – updated 29 May 2020
• Test and trace: workplace guidance – updated 27 May 2020
• Health and social care staff caring for someone without mental capacity – updated 29 May
• Advice for parents and carers of early years children – updated 28 May

You can find all the Government’s Guidance on Covid-19 here

Covid-19 Act Report
The first two-monthly report on which powers in the Covid-19 Act 2020 are currently active, as required by the Act, has been published

Edition 10 – Thursday 28 May

Government funding for VCSEs
The Government has created a page which brings together all the different funding pots linked to the £750m, plus other ones. There are no new funding pots that we haven’t previously promoted, (apart from the money for zoos) but it’s a handy page to bookmark so you can see all the different funding programmes and announcements.

Government unlocks £150 million from dormant accounts
On Wednesday last week the Government announced that £150m will be released from dormant bank and building society account funds. Although some is available as grants, the majority will be provided through loans:

• £10m to the Youth Futures Foundation to develop an Emergency Levelling Up Youth Fund – grants
• £45m to be issued by Big Society Capital to help investments and as emergency loans for those with cashflow issues
• £65m to Fair4AllFinance to provide ‘affordable credit’ solutions and as an alternative to high cost loans
• £30m to Access – the Foundation for Social Investment to support social enterprises helping people in vulnerable circumstances. The words ‘social lenders’ and ‘flexible finance’ are used.

The full briefing from DCMS is available here

Reopening High Streets Safely Fund
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced a new £50 million fund for councils to prepare for the safe reopening of high streets and other retail spaces. The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will support practical measures such as new signage, street marking and barriers.

Gosport Ferry
Hampshire County Council, along with Gosport Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council have agreed a £90,000 package to help keep the Gosport ferry running. Following discussions with Gosport Ferry and the Department for Transport, Gosport, Portsmouth, and Hampshire councils will each give the ferry company £30,000 to ensure it can maintain a service for the next two months.

Providing home care
The Department of Health and Social Care has published information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home.

Covid-19 sick pay scheme
The Treasury has confirmed that the Covid-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, which was announced at the Budget, opened for applications this morning (26 May). The service can be accessed here

Online educational resources
The Department for Education has updated the list of online resources, organised by key stage.

Edition 9 – Wednesday 20 May

Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
The Chancellor has announced an extension to the current furlough system. From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.

The government will explore ways through which furloughed workers who wish to do additional training or learn new skills are supported during this period. Full details of the announcement can be found here

Edition 8 – Wednesday 13 May

Furlough scheme extended to October
Rishi Sunak has announced an extension to the furlough scheme. Yesterday (12th May) he revealed his plans to continue the scheme until the end of October. Until the end of July there will be no change to the current scheme. From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff. More detail will emerge by the end of May.

The Government’s Covid-19 recovery strategy
The Government has published the UK’s Covid-19 recovery strategy which sets out the aims, approach, roadmap and supporting programmes.

Edition 7 – Wednesday 6 May

Making the government’s covid-19 support schemes work better for charities
Yesterday (5th May) NCVO published a blog about the Government’s business support schemes. They provide an update on each scheme, including the recommendations that NCVO have put to government officials, and the positive change that government has responded with so far.

I would recommend you read the full article, but in a nutshell…

Coronavirus job retention scheme
Many charities are facing a perverse incentive to furlough staff at a time when supporting the most vulnerable in society is needed more than ever. The scheme is not available for charities receiving public funding that covers staff costs, which can cause significant difficulties for charities whose funding comes from a number of sources, or whose staff are partially funded by public money. NCVO have made a number of requests to government, but these have not so far been met.

Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme (CBILS)
Since CBILS was launched, sector bodies have been urging the government to remove the eligibility requirement that an organisation generate more than 50% of its turnover from trading, as it would prohibit the majority of charities from applying under the scheme. Last week the government responded by removing the 50% trading requirement, potentially opening the scheme up to thousands more charities. While a welcome development, feedback from charities that have applied to the scheme is that even if they meet all the eligibility criteria, they have still been refused finance from accredited lenders under the scheme.

Small business grant fund
Sector bodies have been urging government to allow charities to apply for a small business grant of up to £10,000. For organisations unable to take advantage of the other schemes on offer, or the government’s £750m support package, accessing this support is particularly important at the moment. Over the weekend the government responded in part by announcing a £617m discretionary fund for small businesses (including charities) that previously fell outside the scope of the small business grant fund. The allocation of funding will be at the discretion of local authorities, with priority given to businesses in shared spaces, market traders, and small charity properties that would meet the criteria for small business rates relief. It is not yet clear how our local councils will respond.

Retail, hospitality and leisure grant fund (RHLG)
Although the retail, hospitality and leisure grant fund benefits certain types of charities, such as charity shops, art galleries theatres, museums, sports clubs and several others, this is a relatively small part of the overall charity sector. NCVO’s requests to the government have not currently been met.

PAYE and NICs deferral
It is possible for charities to request a deferral of payments of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and National Insurance contributions (NICs), if they are encountering difficulties in making payments due to covid-19. However, deferred payments incur an interest rate of 2.6% from HMRC. This creates additional financial challenges for organisations already struggling with cashflow. NCVO’s requests to the government have not currently been met.

Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
From 4 May, HMRC will begin contacting customers who may be eligible for the SEISS. HMRC is also inviting customers to check eligibility for the scheme. The claims service will open on 13 May and payments will be made within 6 working days of making a claim.

Local business grant funds scheme
The Government has confirmed that a discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. Up to £617 million will be available for small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs.

Zero rate VAT
The Treasury has confirmed that from 1 May, personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased by care homes, businesses, charities and individuals to protect against Covid-19 will be free from VAT for a three-month period.

Also confirmed were plans to remove VAT on e-books and e-newspapers which have been fast-tracked and have now come into force. This will benefit charities who provide supporters with e-newsletters and other publications as part of a membership subscription.

Bounce Back Loans
Small businesses (including charities) are now able to apply to the Bounce Back Loan scheme for a 100% government backed loan of between £2,000 and £50,000.

Resilience & Recovery Loan Fund
This is now open for applications from charities and social enterprises that have been trading for a minimum of two years and have a turnover of between £400k and £45m. The fund is intended for those organisations who face a problem because expected income and activity has been delayed or disrupted and the loan size will be £100,000 – £500,000. You can read more about it here

NHS reset
The NHS Confederation has launched a new campaign, NHS Reset. The campaign aims to lead the public debate on what the health and care system should look like in the future, both at a national strategic level and by looking at local systems. They are encouraging local partners to join the conversation and share their own learning and experience.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC’s chief inspectors have issued a joint statement outlining their approach to regulation during the coronavirus pandemic. They have developed an “Emergency Support Framework” which will be rolled out from 4th May.

Edition 6 – Wednesday 29 April

Government rejects call for more charity coronavirus funding
The government has rejected Labour demands to increase the amount of emergency coronavirus funding for charities. Answering questions from MPs yesterday, Oliver Dowden said that the government will “do everything that we can to support charities”, but refused to commit extra funding to the sector. Dowden was responding to Jo Stevens MP, who said charities “want to hear an explicit commitment from him that further funding will be announced before it is too late and charities go to the wall… Vulnerable people are relying on them for support, and the government must not let them down. Can he guarantee that?” The answer appears to be “no”!

Shadow charities minister starts weekly sector surgery
Rachael Maskell, the recently appointed charities spokesperson for Labour, wants voluntary and community organisations to set out what support they need during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. “I want to create an opportunity for organisations across the sector to talk through the challenges that confront them, how they require support from government and wider society and their long-term aspirations, and champion their work in parliament.” To book an appointment email Rachael Maskell

Advice on looking after animals during lockdown
Government has published advice on what people with animals should do during the lockdown measures. This applies to dogs, cats, horses, livestock and other animals. This includes advice on what to do if you do or do not have symptoms of corona virus, if you are helping other people care for animals whilst they are unable to, or if your pet requires a visit to the vet.

Please be aware – Hampshire constabulary
With more people out walking for exercise there has been an increase of livestock worrying incidents where dogs are off the lead. It is best to keep dogs on a lead around any livestock.

Serious financial challenges
Government have set out some guidance for trustees, who may want some support facing difficult situations or decisions. This webpage focusses on managing financial difficulties in your charity, caused by coronavirus.

Transport links to/from the Isle of Wight
The Department for Transport has confirmed that transport links to the mainland for people living on the Isle of Wight have been safeguarded with an emergency package of up to £10.5 million.

Edition 5 – Wednesday 22 April

Furlough scheme extended
Following on from yesterday’s announcement to keep the social distancing measures in place, Rishi Sunak said the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) would now be open until the end of June.

Portal for reclaiming salaries is now open
You can now claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19). You’ll need the Government Gateway user ID and password you got when you registered for PAYE online. Apparently 67,000 applications were made in the first half hour of the portal opening, so we recommend you keep a glass of wine handy when making your claim.

Guidance for community buildings and similar organisationsThe resplendent Kevin Sawers has written a guidance document to cover two forms of support for small organisations (including charities) that own or lease premises. Read it here

Coronavirus rules relaxed for people with autism and learning disabilities
The government has amended guidance relating to people with learning disabilities or autism leaving the house for exercise, stating they can now do this more than once a day and can travel outside of their local area under current lockdown measures. You can read the updated guidance here

Edition 3 – Wednesday 8 April

DCMS Committee

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Committee has launched a call for evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on the charity sector – the deadline for responses is 16 April 2020.  Action Hampshire can co-ordinate responses if that would be helpful.  Ring us and rant!

Edition 2 – Wednesday 1 April

Coronavirus job retention scheme

Becky Beard (Peas in a Pod Consulting) has also written an overview of the Corona Virus Job Retention Scheme. Click here

Furloughed staff can volunteer, but not for their own charity

New guidance on the scheme published by HM Revenue & Customs confirms that furloughed employees are able to take part in volunteer work, providing this does not provide services to, or generate revenue for their employers. This means that furloughed staff can do voluntary work, but not for their own charities. For our sector this is both positive and negative: our own staff cannot undertake voluntary work for us, but all the furloughed staff from other organisations potentially gives us a bigger pool of working age volunteers.

Small business grant fund

The government announced that small businesses would be eligible for grant funding of £10,000 to help them with the Covid-19 pandemic, but only those that receive small business rate relief or rural rate relief will be able to apply for the grant.  Charities receive the 80 per cent mandatory business rate relief rather than either of the two eligible schemes, so would not be entitled to the £10,000 grant. The Charity Finance Group and the Small Charities Coalition have called on the government to rethink the small business grant fund.  More evidence that #EveryDayCounts.  See more here

Covid-19 additional funding for Hampshire County Council

The government recently announced £1.6 billion of additional funding for local government to help fund the response to coronavirus. It has been confirmed that Hampshire will receive £29,654,341

Expanded retail discount relief

We have received confirmation that the “Expanded Retail Discount Relief“, or extension of Business Rates relief, applies to charitable halls and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs), meaning they should receive 100% rate relief this year. The guidance is here. In case of query by local authorities: Clause 7 and 12 (ii) of the Guidance collectively apply, the reference to the Local Govt Act 1988, section 47 is to their powers to grant discretionary relief. The Government will reimburse local authorities for the discretionary relief.

Vulnerable people and the coronavirus bill

The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) have published a paper identifying their key concerns with the Coronavirus Bill.  VCSEs should be aware of some of the issues that may make vulnerable adults and children even more vulnerable.

• Near wholesale removal of legal duties to assess and provide care and support needs for adults in some of the most vulnerable positions, including disabled and older people and carers (Clause 15 and Schedule 12)
• Suspension of assessments to provide continuing care on hospital discharge (Clause 14)
• Removal of key safeguards to protect people detained in mental health hospital to prevent them from being detained longer than needed or discharged without support (Clause 10 and Schedule 8)
• Downgrading of duties to support children with Special Educational Needs (Schedule 16)

Edition 1 – Thursday 26 March

Government support packages

• Statutory sick pay of up to 14 days for organisations with fewer than 250 employees, including those who self-isolate and people caring for them. Charities that are employers will benefit from this support
• A 100% business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the next 12 months
• Increasing grants to small businesses eligible for small business rate relief from £3,000 to £10,000
• Grants worth £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value over £15,000 and below £51,000

A temporary coronavirus business interruption loan scheme that will guarantee 80% of the value of relevant loans worth up to £5m. This will give lenders further confidence in lending to small and medium-sized enterprises

Guidance from charity commission

How do I get support to pay my charity staff?
The government has announced that organisations, including charities, will get support to help them pay wages. Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of their workforce who remain on payroll but are temporarily not working during the coronavirus outbreak. Any employer in the country- small or large, charitable or non-profit will be eligible for the scheme.

Can I use reserves and restricted funds to help my charity through the crisis?
Yes

Can I cancel or postpone my charity’s AGM or other key meetings?
Yes, but record your decision making process. “Wherever possible, we would ask you to try to get your annual reports to us on time. However, where the situation impacts on the completion of annual returns and accounts, charities with an imminent filing date can call us.”

Can I use video, teleconferencing and the internet in place of face-to-face meetings?
Yes. Record your decision where necessary.

What do I need to report to the Charity Commission?
Trustees to use their judgement.  Charity Commission will continue to prioritise incidents placing individuals at risk, or those with a significant impact.

Emergency volunteering leave

The bill will introduce ‘emergency volunteering leave’ to make it easier for employees to volunteer in the current crisis. Employees will be able to take blocks of two, three or four weeks of unpaid leave to do this, with the government setting up a compensation fund to cover loss of earnings and expenses at a flat rate (details to emerge).

The bill will also make changes to statutory sick pay (SSP) in line with the announcements in the budget. The government is changing the law to remove the current three-day period in which SSP can’t be claimed, and to allow employers with under 250 employees to claim SSP where absences are linked to coronavirus.

Social care

The bill aims to help increase the available health and social care workforce in several ways.

• It will remove barriers to retired NHS staff and social workers returning to work.
• It will also reduce some administrative responsibilities to make it easier for frontline staff to operate in current circumstances.
  The bill will change the Care Act 2014 in England, to allow local authorities to prioritise the services so they can make sure that the most urgent and serious care needs are met, even if it means councils not meeting all of someone’s assessed needs or delaying assessments. It does not remove the duty of care they have towards an individual’s risk of serious neglect or harm.