Each of the steps below are subject to meeting the following four tests: The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations. Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants. Step 1 – from 29 March People will no longer...
In an amendment to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, the Government has extended coronavirus lockdown laws to give local councils in England the power to close premises (e.g. pubs, restaurants, shops and public spaces) until 17 July 2021.
The Treasury was quizzed over the possibility of an extension of the VAT reduction for the hospitality sector on 15 January 2021. The Minister responded saying that there are currently no plans to extend the temporary reduced rate of VAT for tourism and hospitality beyond 31 March 2021. On 15 January 2021, Caroline Lucas MP...
It is good news for small businesses, as a UK Supreme Court ruling forces insurers to pay out on disputed coronavirus business interruption (BI) claims, estimated to be worth at least £1.2bn. The UK High Court passed judgement on the Financial Conduct Authority’s BI insurance test case in September 2020, ruling in favour of policyholders...
Government will “listen to the sector’s priorities for recovery, and incorporate them into its thinking” Discussions taking place on extending the VAT reduction scheme; government intends to “future proof tourism sector” Steve Double (Con, St Austell and Newquay) opened a Westminster Hall Debate on domestic tourism on 12 January 2021. He began by outlining how...
Following the introduction of a new Tier 4 in England on Saturday, much tighter restrictions are now in place in parts of England – potentially ‘for some time’ according to Health Secretary Matt Hancock (although a review is due on 30 December). Rules are similar to those in the first lockdown. Tier 4 restrictions will...
On 16 December, the First Minister announced that higher-level restrictions will come into force to control coronavirus rates across Wales. The new restrictions will apply to all of Wales and are: All non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres will close at the end of trading on Christmas Eve. All...
Three Scottish council areas – Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian – are to have tougher coronavirus restrictions imposed from Friday 18 December. It means people will no longer be allowed to travel outside of their own council area unless it is essential. Pubs, cafes and restaurants will have to stop serving alcohol and must shut at...
VisitBritain is seeking high quality images and footage of Britain to use in campaigns such as its Escape The Everyday and other activities. If your business has assets on topics such as seasons, family, diversity, accessibility and more, that you have the necessary rights and permissions for, please get in touch with them. Your images...
Business owners affected by the pandemic will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced on 9 December 2020. This final extension to protections from the threat of eviction will give landlords and tenants three months to come to an agreement on unpaid rent. The government is clear...