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We are still here at the RSN for all of our customers and partners. We remain working from home, ready to support you all to ensure that the rural voice is heard at a national level. We'd love to hear from you if you have any queries or want to get in touch admin@sparse.gov.uk
On Monday 21st September, the Government announced an extension of the £5,000 grant scheme available to homes and businesses affected by flooding last winter.
On Tuesday 23rd September, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP (Con) gave a speech on planning for the future at the Creating Communities Conference 2020, where he proposed the Government’s reforms to the housing system, including the introduction of the National Infrastructure Levy which promises to simplify the system, making the process more streamlined and transparent.
On Thursday 24th September, the latest edition of the Rural Economic Bulletin was published, alongside the Statistical Digest of Rural England setting out the most current data available for a selection of economic indicators for rural and urban areas. The Government also announced the Job Support Scheme, designed to protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to COVID-19, The scheme will be available to small and medium sized firms, whilst larger employers will only be covered if their turnover has gone down. Additionally, he confirmed that the temporary cut in VAT for hospitality and retail businesses will be extended until 31st March 2020. The Chancellor also announced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant will be extended on similar terms to support?viable traders?who are facing reduced demand over the winter months. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced that pubs, bars, and restaurants throughout England will be forced to close at 10pm from Thursday. In addition, he will advise people to ‘work from home if they can’.
On Friday 25th September, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP (Con) announced that 100 towns in England will be given up to £1 million to kick-start regeneration projects. New restrictions were also brought in for Wigan, Stockport, Blackpool and Leeds to help curb infection rates as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
From Monday 28th September, people in England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
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