Last week, the government announced significant new measures to support businesses, livelihoods and communities in Elmbridge during the Coronavirus restrictions.
First, on Thursday the Chancellor set out a new package of economic support for businesses and employees. This includes new cash grants, worth up to £2,100 per month, for businesses in “high” alert areas like Elmbridge. These grants are primarily for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sectors, enabling Elmbridge Borough Council to determine which businesses are eligible. The council is providing updates on its website, here.
The Chancellor also announced changes to the Job Support Scheme, which begins in November. This will help businesses to keep on staff who are working fewer hours, with the government contributing to their wages for the hours they are not working. The scheme has been made more generous, with the government contributing more to employees’ wages than previously planned, and employers contributing less. More details are available here.
The self-employment scheme is also changing, with the two forthcoming grant payments now covering 40% of previous earnings, rather than 20%. More information is available here.
Second, on Thursday, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government allocated a further £100,000 of emergency grant funding to Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC). The council has now received £1.66 million of this ‘un-ringfenced’ funding, which means that it can be spent it as EBC sees fit. This is helping the council to respond to Coronavirus-related pressures.
EBC has also received government funding to spend on specific programmes, such as housing the vulnerable and safely re-opening high streets. Including this funding, EBC has benefitted from £2.32 million of government support during the pandemic.
I’m working hard to make sure we have the local support we need to see us through the challenging months ahead.
