Further to the Governments announcements last Friday, we have further updated our www.Folkestone.works website with information and links. The key points are summarised below.

• For UK workers of any employer placed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the government will pay up to 80% of a worker's wages, up to a total of £2,500 per worker each month. These will be backdated to 1st March, will be initially open for 3 months and may be extended if necessary.
• VAT payments due between now and the end of June will be deferred. No VAT registered business will have to make a VAT payment normally due with their VAT return to HMRC in that period. Income tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, launched at Budget, will now be interest free for twelve months.
• A £10,000 grant payment for businesses in properties in receipt of rural rate relief or small business rates relief on 11th March, including those in receipt of tapered relief, will be eligible for.
• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties qualifying for retail discount on 11th March will be entitled to either, £10,000 where the RV is £15,000 or less or £25,000 where the RV is greater than £15,000 and less than £51,000.
• All grant payments will be made directly to businesses by the local authorities and no business needs to apply for these grants. The Government is aiming to make this funding available to local authorities for payment in early April.

In Folkestone and Hythe District, three Community Support Hubs are being set up for both those that NEED help due to COVID-19 issues over the next few weeks, and those OFFERING it. There have been a HUGE number of people wanting to help, and the Support Hubs (which should offer phone numbers, email and online forms) will be the place to do so.

A number of local businesses have asked me if I know anything more about the Small Business Rate Relief Grants of £10,000 recently announced by the Chancellor.

I only have access to the same information as everyone else, but the Government's website appears to have a little more detail on it today, as below. Key takeaways are: it is £10,000 for eligible businesses (not "up to"), there is no need to apply (but I'd watch for communication from your Council) and the money should be available from some time in early April...

All Folkestone & Hythe District Council recycling and waste services are currently running as normal.

Bin collections during COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Rubbish collection is a high priority council service, provided by Veolia and we will do everything possible to keep it going whatever the circumstances.

The Government has made a series of announcements in the Budget last week and over the last few days on measures to support businesses during this difficult time. [Update 23 March 2020 - see the Coronavirus: Business Support Measures [23rd March Update]. ] We are regularly updating information about these on our www.Folkestone.works website, including: