Useful Information for Businesses – Update 18th January 2021
Croydon Council Update
A message from Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
The Covid-19 vaccine rollout continues at pace across Croydon, in our hospital, in care homes and among priority groups right across our community, thanks to the sterling efforts of our local NHS. Our public health team are working with the NHS to ensure everyone in Croydon can access accurate information about the vaccine and answer any questions you may have. We will be doing more in the coming weeks and in the meantime, you can find out more about the Covid-19 vaccine on the NHS webpage
Many people have said to me that Covid-19 feels ‘closer to home’ this time, with more people they know becoming infected or seriously unwell. As case numbers continue to rise we are inevitably seeing the impact on public services, many of whom are operating in incredibly challenging circumstances with a reduced workforce due to staff being unwell or self-isolating. This is no less the case for our own staff and contractors who are also being increasingly affected. I want to thank and acknowledge all our essential workers who are on the frontline during this pandemic, providing vital services so that we can stay at home. Our own garden waste service is now back up and running, after we temporarily suspended it to prioritise rubbish and food collections while several crew members were unwell. I’m pleased to report that we are now starting to welcome some of them back to work – my thoughts are with all of them and everyone in our borough who is unwell or recovering.
The latest data confirms that the virus is now widespread throughout Croydon, with our incidence rate now 1080 per 100,000 compared with 305 just four weeks ago. This is a very stark reminder of why we must all stay at home and do everything we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The vaccine programme is under way, but we still have a very long way to go before we can let our guard down. We continue to be required to stay at home and only go out in a restricted set of circumstances.
If you must go out for essential reasons, stay safe particularly in busy spaces including in supermarkets and other essential shops. Always remember hands, face, space to protect yourselves and others. We are once again seeing many people enjoying our parks and open spaces for their daily exercise but please do so safely – don’t meet others to socialise and keep your distance from anyone outside your household or support bubble if you are eligible to form one. Staying at home isn’t easy, particularly during the winter months so please seek help if you feel you are struggling with your mental health and wellbeing – there are online resources and local services that can support you. Find out more on our Covid-19 webpages.
Testing if you have symptoms remains an important part of our defence against the virus. We are working with the government to boost testing capacity in Croydon and I hope to be able to update you on this soon. In the meantime, please get tested if you have any of the main Covid-19 symptoms – this is vital for us to isolate cases and prevent the virus spreading.
We know how difficult it is for our local businesses at the moment, and we are working hard to support them. We’ve simplified the process for those who have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, to apply for government grants – find out more about the support available here. To get all the latest information about business grants and other help and support, sign up to our business e-newsletter
Finally, we have seen some worrying national reports this week about the poor quality of food packages being supplied elsewhere in the country to children who are eligible for free school meals. I want to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of children and families, particularly our most vulnerable, is our priority and we are working closely with schools to ensure those in need can access food, help and support during lockdown.
The government voucher scheme for families in receipt of free school meals will relaunch on 18 January and schools will have the option to provide vouchers or food parcels through their catering contracts. Where schools provide food parcels, we have provided them with guidance to help ensure items are of sufficient quality, however, if you have any queries about free school meals you can contact us at educationenquiries@croydon.gov.uk
Daily update from GOV.UK.
Department for Education
How to complete the educational setting status form
Page summary:
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe.
Change made:
Updated the preview of questions for schools and FE settings to reflect the latest changes in the education settings status form.
September Guarantee: education and training for young people
Page summary:
Details of the September Guarantee, which requires local authorities to find education and training places for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Change made:
Added ‘2020 September Guarantee data’.
Children’s social care cost pressures and variation in unit costs
Page summary:
Study using a survey of local authorities and national data to examine reasons for variation in the costs of providing children’s social care services.
First published.
Providing remote education information to parents: template
Page summary:
An optional template to support schools when publishing information about their remote education provision on their websites during the spring term.
Change made:
Template updated to reflect revised guidance for restricting attendance during the national lockdown in schools.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Page summary:
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to maintain provision.
Change made:
We have updated the monitoring attendance section to reflect that colleges should now resume completing the educational settings status form.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Page summary:
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April.
Change made:
Added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 4 January 2021.’
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 4 January 2021
Page summary:
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April.
First published.
Review your remote education provision
Page summary:
A framework to help schools and further education (FE) providers in England identify strengths and areas for improvement in their remote
First published.
Hundreds of thousands more laptops to support disadvantaged pupils learn at home
Page summary:
Government boosts laptop and tablet programme with a further 300,000 devices – taking the total to 1.3 million
First published.
Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Page summary:
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on devices and support available to provide remote education and access to children’s social care.
Change made:
Added O2 and Vodafone to the Get help with technology programme.
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers progress data
Page summary:
Information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
Change made:
Added ‘Laptops and tablets data as of January 2021’.
Responsibility for exams
Page summary:
Guidance for schools and colleges on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing.
Change made:
Updated the public health guidance to support exams from January 2021 to reflect that schools and colleges can continue with vocational and technical exams, where they judge it right to do so. This includes updates to the sections on the set up of the exam room, face coverings, maintaining distance between staff and candidates and where a candidate has a negative test.
Providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Page summary:
Guidance for schools and local authorities on school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Change made:
Updated information about how to order vouchers, sending eCodes to families, supermarkets and redeeming the vouchers.
T Levels capital fund: wave 2 – successful applications
Page summary:
Information for further education (FE) providers about the outcome of the T Levels capital fund (TLCF) applications.
First published.
£135m boost to support T Level students to succeed
Page summary:
Multi-million pound investment will ensure T Level students have access to the world class facilities and cutting-edge equipment they need to get ahead.
First published.
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
Page summary:
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Change made:
Published additional guidance for special schools, specialist post-16 providers, and alternative provision (including hospital schools) during the national lockdown.
Post-16 study at level 2 and below: call for evidence
Page summary:
This call for evidence seeks views on study and qualifications at level 2 and below for students aged 16 and above.
Change made:
Call for evidence closing date extended to 14 February 2021.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Page summary:
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term.
Change made:
Updated ‘Restricting attendance during the national lockdown: schools’ to clarify that supply teachers and other temporary staff can assist in delivering remote education as well as face to face education to pupils who continue to attend school.
Education Secretary launches review of children’s social care
Page summary:
Wide-ranging, independent review to address poor outcomes for children in care as well as strengthening families to improve vulnerable children’s lives
First published.
Consultation launched on 2021 exam replacement
Page summary:
Teachers to determine grades using a range of evidence that reflects students’ hard work and ability
First published.
Consultation on how GCSE, AS and A level grades should be awarded in summer 2021
Page summary:
The approach to awarding GCSE, AS and A level grades in 2021 following the cancellation of exams.
Change made:
Added an accessible, HTML version of the consultation document.
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letters to the manufacturing sector, November 2020 to January 2021
Page summary:
Letters from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to those in the manufacturing industry and its supply chain.
Change made:
Added January letter.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letters to the construction sector, November 2020 to January 2021
Page summary:
Letters from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to those working in the construction sector and its supply chain.
Change made:
Added January 2021 letter.
Government proposals to help more people in problem debt
Page summary:
Consultation launched aimed at extending debt solutions and helping vulnerable people in financial distress get a fresh start.
Change made:
First published.
Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG), Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), Christmas Support Payment (CSP) for wet-led pubs: guidance for local authorities
Page summary:
This is guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during the November to December 2020 national lockdown and periods of local restrictions.
Change made:
Business support package for the January 2021 lockdown: guidance for local authorities added.
Domestic abuse: open letter to employers on how to help workers find the right support
Page summary:
An open letter from the Business Minister Paul Scully to employers on how they can support survivors of domestic abuse.
First published.
Business Minister: employers have a duty to spot early signs of domestic abuse
Page summary:
Business Minister Paul Scully calls on employers to ensure their organisation is spotting signs of domestic abuse and helping their staff find the right support.
First published.
Workplace support for victims of domestic abuse
Page summary:
Report on improving workplace support for domestic abuse victims, including raising awareness and sharing best practice among employers.
First published.
Support in the workplace for victims of domestic abuse – call for evidence
Page summary:
The government has launched a review into support for victims of domestic abuse in the workplace.
Change made:
Report on the findings of the review published.
Contracts for Difference (CfD) for low carbon electricity generation: new Supply Chain Plan questionnaire
Page summary:
We’re seeking views on a new Supply Chain Plan questionnaire to be completed as part of the application process to enter a Contract for Difference allocation round.
First published.
Contracts for Difference (CfD): changes to Supply Chain Plans and the CfD contract
Page summary:
We’re seeking views on proposals for changes to Supply Chain Plans and the CfD contract, to enable continued support for new low-carbon generation and to encourage the growth of sustainable supply chains.
Change made:
Closing date extended to 28 January 2021.
Advice for people struggling to pay essential bills because of coronavirus
Page summary:
Advice for those in difficulty with utility bills, or repayment commitments on credit cards, loans and mortgages, as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Change made:
Mortgage payment deferral deadline extended to 31 March 2021.
Working in England if you are a senior executive bringing significant economic benefit to the UK
Page summary:
Senior executives can temporarily leave quarantine in England if they are undertaking business activities which are likely to be of significant economic benefit to the UK.
Change made:
Exemption from quarantine for senior executives bringing significant economic benefit to the UK will be suspended as of 4:00am on Monday 18 January 2021.
Department for International Trade
Open general export licences for overseas access to software and technology for military goods (individual use only)
Page summary:
Licences allowing people who are temporarily based abroad to access their business’ technology and information technology systems in the UK.
Change made:
This OGEL has been revised to take into account changes in legislation following the end of the transition period.
Procurement at DIT
Page summary:
Details of DIT purchasing arrangements and information for those looking to become a supplier or contractor.
Change made:
Text added on DIT SME action plan and commercial pipeline activity.
Opening statement on Global Britain debate
Page summary:
The International Trade Secretary’s opening remarks at the House of Commons General debate on Global Britain.
First published.
Open general export licences for technology for military goods
Page summary:
Licences allowing the export of technology and the information needed for the development, and production of, military goods. See explanation below for which licence to use.
Change made:
These OGELs have been revised to take into account changes in legislation following the end of the transition period.
Foreign Secretary on the situation in Xinjiang and the Government’s response
Page summary:
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab’s statement to the Commons
First published.
Trade advisory groups (TAGs)
Page summary:
The groups were established in July 2020 in order to meet the requirements of the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) trade negotiations.
Change made:
Updated membership list to include: Bristol Myers Squibb – Lynelle Hoch – General Manager, UK & Ireland
Open general export licences for export after repair/replacement under warranty: dual-use items
Page summary:
Licences allowing the export of dual-use items imported into the UK for repair or replacement under warranty. See explanation below for which licence to use.
Change made:
These OGELs have been revised to take into account changes in legislation following the end of the transition period.
Cambridge exporter recognised in New Year’s Honours List 2021
Page summary:
This year’s list includes Houghton based exporter Stuart Gibbons, Managing Director of Le Mark Group and DIT Export Champion
First published.
Our governance
Page summary:
The main decision-making, executive and managerial bodies at Department for International Trade (DIT).
Change made:
Dominic Johnson now has responsiblity for the Union.
Trade with Eastern and Southern African (ESA) States from 1 January 2021
Page summary:
How you import from and export to the ESA states will change from 1 January 2021.
Change made:
Updated to reflect Zambia’s position in relation to the EPA.
ESA-UK economic partnership agreement (EPA)
Page summary:
Documents containing treaty information and a summary of the agreement on trade between the UK and Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) countries.
Change made:
Updated to reflect Zambia’s position in relation to the EPA.
Trade with Vietnam from 1 January 2021
Page summary:
How you import from and export to Vietnam will change from 1 January 2021.
Change made:
Updated with the latest business advice for trading with Vietnam.
Trade with Singapore from 1 January 2021
Page summary:
How you import from and export to Singapore will change from 1 January 2021.
Change made:
Updated with the latest business advice for trading with Singapore.
UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
Page summary:
Find out about the trade agreements the UK has concluded that are in effect and the progress of our discussions with other countries.
Change made:
Updated to reflect the full ratification of the UK-Andean agreement with Peru.
Tariff rate quotas: interim volumes available from 1 January 2021
Page summary:
Details of the tariff-rate quota volumes available from 1 January 2021 for tariff-rate quotas which do not operate on a calendar year.
Change made:
Quota information updated in Notice made under Regulation 6(4) of the Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.Updates added on quotas for Cereals, Fish, Fruits and Vegetables, Pork, Processed Products, Beef and Garlic.