Covid-19 business support - latest updates

Latest news

Build Back Better Council

Source: government, published January 18, 2021

The Prime Minister has launched the Build Back Better Council which brings together a broad range of business leaders from across the British economy to work in partnership with the Government on coronavirus economic recovery and future growth plans. The Build Back Better Council will be comprised of 30 members representing industries from retail and hospitality, to finance, science and technology and aims to unlock investment, boost job creation and level up the whole of the UK.

Gov.uk: Prime Minister and Chancellor launch new Business Council

Durham Business Recovery Grant

Source: DCC, published January 14, 2021

The Durham Business Recovery Grant is a £5million fund to help County Durham businesses to recover from the effects of Covid-19.

See Apply for a Durham Business Recovery Grant.

£4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs

Source: government, published January 6, 2021

The Chancellor has announced one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring. £594 million of discretionary fund has also been made available to support other impacted businesses.

Gov.uk: £4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs

Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes

Source: government, published December 22, 2020

The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages. Rishi Sunak also confirmed he would be extending the government-guaranteed Covid-19 business loan schemes until the end of March.

Gov.uk: Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes

Business evictions ban extended until March

Source: government, published December 9, 2020

Business owners affected by the pandemic will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021.

Gov.uk: Business evictions ban extended until March

Boost for high street as opening hours extended for Christmas shopping

Source: government, published December 1, 2020

From Wednesday 2 December, as England returns to a system of tiered restrictions, all non-essential retail across England will be able to reopen, and planning rules limiting opening hours will be eased to allow shops to be open for longer Monday to Saturday throughout December and into January.

Gov.uk: boost for high street as Jenrick extends opening hours for Christmas shopping

New grants for businesses affected by coronavirus restrictions

Source: DCC press release, published November 13, 2020 4.40pm

Eligible businesses affected by local and national coronavirus restrictions are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of government grants.

Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services

Source: government, published November 9, 2020

The government has updated guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways (hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs in England had to close from 5 November but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. Sale of alcohol is permitted via pre-order for collection or delivery services only).

See Gov.uk: Working safely during coronavirus - restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services.

Support for County Durham residents and businesses

Source: DCC press release, published November 6, 2020 4.45pm

Help and support remains available for people and businesses in County Durham during the current lockdown period.

See Support for County Durham residents and businesses

Business grants update

Source: DCC, published November 6, 2020, 12:03

While we wait for further information from government, we've published information currently available, along with an email address for you to request an email alert when you're able to apply.

See Covid-19 support grants for businesses

Furlough extended to March 2021 and increases in self-employed support

Source: government, published November 5, 2020, 2.35pm

The government announced on 5 November that they will extend the furlough or Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) which will now run until the end of March with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked.

In addition, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased, with the third grant covering November to January calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500.

We will continue to provide detail as it is announced.

• Gov.uk: Government extends Furlough to March and increases self-employed support
• Gov.uk: Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension

Previous news

See our Covid-19 business support - previous news and updates page for previous news and updates.