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In this bulletin

The government has launched new coronavirus business support finder tool.

Apply for a business rates grant now

Many of the businesses that are eligible for the government grants have still not applied for money to help get them through the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Minimise the risk of Legionnaire’s Disease post COVID-19

The Royal Society for Public Health are holding a webinar at 1pm on Thursday 23 April for owners of buildings, including hotels and other accommodation sites, offices, health clubs, commercial buildings etc. that have been closed or partially closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Important information for local businesses

Barnstaple & District Chamber of Commerce Ltd are holding a series of webinars and online meet-ups which aim to support local businesses through the pandemic.

In this bulletin

£17m of government grants paid out so far

NDC has paid out £17m to 1500 businesses in the last week. We’ve had 1800 applications so far which means around half of eligible businesses are yet to apply.

Look after your mental health during lockdown

As part of their Every Mind Matters campaign to support our mental health, Public Health England has launched new Covid 19 resources to help us all during the outbreak.

Important information for employers

The government has announced a Step by Step Guide for employers who want to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if they have had to furlough staff.

Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon would like your lockdown experiences

Covid-19 has dramatically changed our home life, working environments and communities. As we reflect on our experiences so far and look to support each other through the next three weeks, the museum is launching an archive for recording your Covid-19 stories.

Bulletin 7 April
Looking after your mental health
Changes to benefits announced
Changes to waste and recycling collections
Be scam aware
Update on business grants
Register yourself if you are extremely vulnerable

The Easter bank holiday weekend is approaching and North Devon Council is reminding residents to check when to put their waste and recycling out for collection.
There will be no waste or recycling collections on Good Friday (10 April). Collections due that day will be made on Saturday 11 April instead.
All waste and recycling collections in the week commencing Monday 13 April will take place one day later that week (running from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 April).

We’ve started the week today by welcoming the first cohort of trainees for the new Healthcare Assistant roles. Welcome all! These positions will provide essential support to health and social care providers. More than 600 people have registered so far, and with more to follow we hope.
We’ve also taken a decision to increase the amounts we pay to care providers, so that in turn they can pay their care workers significantly more per hour. We think that this will help boost recruitment to the sector, and it should help care providers retain staff once we’re beyond coronavirus (COVID-19).

Local holiday accommodation businesses are being warned that they risk prosecution if they encourage tourists to visit them during Easter and throughout the lockdown period.
The guidance from the government is clear: all holiday accommodation including hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, campsites and caravan parks must cease to carry on that business during the emergency period.
North Devon Council has new powers to enforce the shutdown of any businesses that have been ordered to close by the government whilst the country is undergoing lockdown.

We are working in extraordinary times at the moment, but we wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that, at the Rural Services Network, our staff are all working remotely and are still here to provide services to you.
We’ve been taking some time to reflect on how life is different now to how it was 12 months ago, and we’ve put together the attached flyer which sets out some of our achievements over the last year.

A message from our Chief Executive and Leader

As we all adjust to the changes in the way we live our lives because of coronavirus (COVID-19), colleagues from all Devon County Council services are working round the clock to make sure you continue to receive vital services.
We are immensely proud of the dedication and calm, professional response from all our staff. Many are able to work from home supporting the delivery of services, while many others are working within our communities to provide care.

Rate Relief

District Councils are in he process of applying the rate relief for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses and there is no need for you to take action at this stage.

Grants for small businesses and retail, hospitality and leisure businesses

The District Councils are also responsible for distributing the cash grants provided by central government to eligible businesses – defined as those either receiving Small Business or Rural Rate Relief (SBRR / RRR) and / or retail, hospitality or leisure businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000.

Takeaway services

As you will be aware from previous briefings the Government have announced that planning rules are to be changed with regards to pubs and restaurants etc being able to provide a take away service. The measures have now been introduced and apply to hot food and drinks.