Covid-19 Business Advice

Read previous Covid-19 Bulletins here

6 August 2020

Vehicles are the mode of choice for holidaymakers

The BVRLA has reported that vehicle rental is a popular choice for UK holidaymakers as more people are turning to the rental sector.

Demand from leisure and tourism customers fell off a cliff following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the association is now seeing green shoots as UK holidaymakers are hiring vehicles for staycations. An increasing number of holidaymakers are also taking their vehicles abroad.

Earlier this week, RAC Europe also reported that more people than usual are driving abroad this year. Its research suggested five million motorists were set to drive on the Continent this summer, with an estimated 1.5m of those driving abroad for the first time.

Latest transport usage figures from the Department of Transport also indicate that motor vehicles are the mode of choice for those needing to travel, with the numbers of cars on the road returning to pre-pandemic levels at weekends with midweek levels sitting at 80-92%.

In contrast, National rail usage continues to be low, peaking at 27% in the past week and London Underground usage also remains at around a quarter, reaching 31% last weekend.

 

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Guidance has been updated for the furlough scheme to reflect the new rules. It now also includes a new section on the maximum number of employees you can claim for.

From 1 August 2020, employers are being asked to contribute towards the cost of their furloughed employees’ wages. Find out more about how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has changed.

 

Government funds Small Business Leadership Programme

Those running SME’s in England, who have between five and 249 employees can apply to attend a 10-week Small Business Leadership Programme, fully funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

The Programme has been launched to support senior leaders to enhance their business’s resilience and recovery from the impact of Covid-19, helping to develop their potential for future growth and productivity. It will be delivered online by small business and enterprise experts from world-leading business schools.

 

Government launches Peer Network to support SMEs

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has launched Peer Networks, a peer-to-peer networking programme for SMEs that is delivered locally by the network of Growth Hubs across England.

From finance and HR to sales and marketing, a team of expert facilitators will help to create a trusted support network that works for all, helping SMEs to build and strengthen the business and improve its overall performance.

The programme is available to any SME business in England that has operated for at least one year, has five employees or more and an annual turnover in excess of £100,000.

 

Dashboard provides Covid-19 data for your area

The Government has published a coronavirus dashboard, which is updated daily and shows the number of cases and deaths in the UK, broken down by region and local authority area.

The ‘more on cases’ link takes you to more detailed information about cases in a geography of your choosing. Simply select the ‘United Kingdom’ dropdown at the top and select your area of interest.

 

DVSA confirms further MOT extension for HGVs

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency has updated its guidance on MOTs for HGVs, buses and trailers to provide further exemptions from annual testing for the newest HGVs and those operated by the safest operators (green OCRS score or Earned Recognition operators).

The additional 12-month exemptions, that are being applied from 24 August 2020, were confirmed following discussions between the DVSA and industry bodies, including the BVRLA.

 

Less than half of trading businesses are running profitably

The Office for National Statistics has published its weekly data on the impacts of coronavirus on the UK economy and society.

It reports that 94% of businesses are currently trading, whilst 6% remain temporarily closed. Of those currently trading, 45% reported that their turnover is exceeding their operating costs, compared with 16% who reported their operating costs to be higher than their turnover.

Overall retail footfall continued to gradually increase this week, driven by an increase in visits to retail parks. The wearing of face coverings also continues to increase with the proportion of adults wearing a face covering when leaving the home rising to 96% from 84% the previous week.

 

The Government has published a set of frequently asked questions, helping people to understand what they can and cannot do during the coronavirus outbreak.  

Quarantine restrictions for people entering the UK  

In an announcement delivered by the Home Secretary on 22 May, the Government has unveiled new measures at the UK border, which includes 14 days’ self-isolation for anyone entering the UK, bar a short list of exemptions. 

The Government states that people should use personal transport, such as a car, to travel to their accommodation. They should not use public transport or taxis. Once they have arrived at their accommodation, they should remain there for 14 days. The measures have been introduced to guard against a second wave of coronavirus infections. 

 

Business closures

The Government has published guidelines outlining which businesses must remain closed.

The UK Government has announced a roadmap for reopening a broader range of retail outlets starting from next month, including car showrooms.   

Updated guidance for the retail sector has been published alongside this announcement. 

From 1 June 2020, it intends to allow outdoor markets to reopen, subject to all premises being made COVID-secure, as well as car showrooms, which often have significant outdoor space. 

From 15 June 2020, UK Government wants to allow other retailers to open, ranging from shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets - if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines.   

 

Taskforces set up to plan for opening of closed businesses 

The Government has set up Five new ministerial-led taskforces to develop plans for how and when closed sectors can reopen safely: 

• international aviation led by the Department for Transport 

• pubs and restaurants led by Department for Business, Energy and industrial Strategy) 

• non-essential retail, including salons led by Department for Business, Energy and industrial Strategy 

• recreation and leisure, including tourism, culture and heritage, libraries, entertainment and sport led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport 

• places of worship, including faith, community and public buildings led by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government 

 

Social distancing guidance 

New guidance on social distancing has been published. The guidance includes information such as staying at home, visiting public places, businesses and venues and going to work.  

The guidance applies in England only. Those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK. 

 

COVID-19 safety guidelines for the workplace 

On 11 May, the government published guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed to understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The guidance applies in England only. Those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow local rules.

The guidance sets out practical steps for businesses focused on five key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical: 

1.    Work from home, if you can 

2.    Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions 

3.    Maintain two metres social distancing, wherever possible 

4.    Where people cannot be two metres apart, manage transmission risk 

5.    Reinforce cleaning processes 

The eight workplace settings with published ‘Covid-19 secure guidelines’ are as follows: 

Vehicles, Shops and branches, Offices and contact centres, Construction and other outdoor work, Factories, plants and warehouses, Homes, Labs and research facilities and Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery

 

PM’s announcement splits Covid messaging across the UK 

On 10 May the Prime Minister addressed the nation, announcing a new change in emphasis replacing the ‘Stay home’ message with ‘Stay alert’, stating that those who cannot work from home should now be encouraged to return to work.  

Although the Prime Minister suggested that there is consensus across the devolved nations, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have made clear that they will be sticking with the ‘Stay home’ message as they believe it is too early to ask people to leave their homes and go back to work. 

The PM’s announcement sets out a ‘conditional’ roadmap for the slow easing of restrictions based on whether people follow the rules and achieve satisfactory levels for the five tests. If these are at a satisfactory level, then the easing of restrictions can progress. If not, then restrictions will remain, be re-introduced or be further strengthened.  

 

Five tests that will determine UK Covid response 

The Government has outlined five tests that remain key when determining the strategy to manage the UK’s Covid response and any exit from the current ‘lockdown’. They state that we must:  

1. protect our NHS so it does not become overwhelmed

2. see sustained falls in the death rate 

3. see sustained and considerable falls in the rate of infection 

4. sort out our challenges in getting enough PPE to the people who need it 

5. make sure that any measures we take do not force the reproduction rate of the disease - the R - back up over one 

 

Support from Government on getting vehicles moving

The Department for Transport has provided the below letter to the logistics sectors to clarify how they should be working, it confirms that vehicle logistics is acceptable providing social distancing measures are observed:

• DfT letter- logistics.pdf 

In addition, the Finance and Leasing Association and BVRLA have produced practical guidance to support the sector in delivering and collecting vehicles

• Joint Trade Association Guidance.pdf

The Department for Transport has thanked the vehicle rental sector for supporting essential services and provided a letter confirming that the industry should carry on working to ‘the greatest extent possible’.

Response from the Department for Transport re: Essential Work of the Vehicle Rental Services Sector.pdf
0.20MB

 

Full details regarding the support for businesses is available on the Government website. 

Online tool to help businesses see what support is available  

The Government has launched a new Business Support Finder to help employers easily identify what support is available to them and their business. 

The finder tool on GOV.UK will ask business owners to fill out a simple online questionnaire, which can take minutes to complete. 

 

Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme 

The Government announced on 19 May that it is extending the maximum loan size available through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme from £50 million to £200 million.  

Companies receiving help through CLBILS and the Bank of England’s Coronavirus Corporate Financing Fund will be asked to agree to not pay dividends and to exercise restraint on senior pay.   

The government-backed Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme was launched on Monday 20 April for all viable large businesses and will enable businesses with turnover of more than £45m to apply for up to £25 million of finance. Businesses with turnover of more than £250 million can now apply for up to £200 million  

The scheme is available through a series of accredited lenders, which will be listed on the British Business Bank website. The government will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan to give lenders further confidence in continuing to provide finance.  

 

Latest figures show uptake of financial support   

New figures on the UK-wide government support schemes for individuals and businesses have been published on 19 May showing that over 10 million are benefiting from the schemes in place. 

Eight million jobs have been furloughed, two million have claimed Self-employment Income Support and just under 500,000 businesses have taken up the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme or the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme. 

 

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

The Government has confirmed that employers can now make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.

You can check service availability and issues online.  

This scheme allows small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, to apply to HMRC to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related SSP. HMRC has new online guidance which includes information about who can use the scheme and the records employers must keep. 

 

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme  

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the lifeline for millions of UK workers, announcing that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), due to finish at the end of June, is being extended to the end of October. 

In an announcement on 12 May, the Chancellor confirmed that the scheme will be maintained in its current format until the end of July. 

From August the scheme will become more flexible, with employers able to bring furloughed staff back to work on a part-time basis. The Chancellor also indicated that he would be expecting employers to contribute towards the cost of furloughing from August onwards.  

The scheme has so far helped over a million businesses to furlough 7.5 million people.

On 5 May,  the Chancellor acknowledged that, with over half of all adults currently being paid by the state, the furlough scheme would not be a long-term sustainable solution, however the extension means that businesses will benefit from 8 months' support estimated to cost the UK Government over £100 billion.

The HMRC has published a 25-minute video on their YouTube channel talking about the Job Retention Scheme. Members are encouraged to take a look.  

Open to all UK employers, the scheme allows firms to furlough employees with the government paying cash grants of 80% of their wages up to a maximum of £2,500. It was originally open for three months and backdated from the 1 March to the end of May. 

The online service you will use to claim went live on Monday 20 April 2020, allowing HMRC to begin making payments from 30 April, for companies where this is their payday.

The system is said to be able to process up to 450,000 applications per hour and HMRC will pay money into the employers' bank accounts within four to six working days of receiving a claim. 

Members are advised to keep a note or print-out of their claim reference number as they won’t receive a confirmation SMS or email.  

The Government has also published a step by step guide for employers, as well as a calculator to help you work out your claim. You may also want to view the video on the HMRC YouTube channel.

To make a claim you will need: 

• a Government Gateway (GG) ID and password – if you don’t already have a GG account, you can apply for one online, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for 'HMRC services: sign in or register' 

• be enrolled for PAYE online – if you aren’t registered yet, you can do so now, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for 'PAYE Online for employers'  

• the following information for each furloughed employee you will be claiming for: name, National Insurance Number, claim period and claim amount, PAYE/employee number (optional). 

• if you have fewer than 100 furloughed staff – you will need to input information directly into the system for each employee. If you have 100 or more furloughed staff – you will need to upload a file with information for each employee; HMRC will accept the following file types: .xls .xlsx .csv .ods. 

You should retain all records and calculations in respect of your claims.  

If you use an agent who is authorised to act for you for PAYE purposes, they will be able to make a claim on your behalf, so you should talk to them now. 

However, if you use a file-only agent return but doesn’t act for you in other matters), they won’t be able to make a claim for you and you’ll need the information listed above from them to make the claim yourself. 

You can find more information on the scheme and eligibility to claim on the Government website. 

 

Self-employment Income Support Scheme 

From 13 May, self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus will be able to apply for the Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. 

The grant is worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500, and will be paid in a single instalment. You can check eligibility for the scheme and make a claim if you are eligible. 

Self-employed people can register to attend a HMRC webinar which provides further information on the scheme. 

The claims process will be very simple, and those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account within six working days of completing a claim.  

There is also further guidance available on ‘How HMRC works out trading profits and non-trading income for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme’ and ‘How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme’.  

 

Bounce Back Loan scheme 

The new Bounce Back Loans scheme is now open for applications. The scheme allows small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the cash within days. 

Since Monday 4 May, businesses can apply online through a short and simple form.  

The Government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee for the loan and pay any fees and interest for the first 12 months, providing businesses with a one-year interest free loan. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months.  

Firms will be able to access these loans through a network of accredited lenders. The government will work with lenders to ensure loans delivered through this scheme are advanced as quickly as possible and agree a low standardised level of interest for the remaining period of the loan.  

On Friday 1 May, the Chancellor sent a letter to all accredited lenders under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) setting out the interest rate that Bounce Back Loans will be offered at and outlining legislative and regulatory changes being made to support the delivery of the scheme. 

 

Top-up to local business grant funds scheme 

A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain small businesses in England previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. This additional fund is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs.  

Businesses must be small, under 50 employees, and they must also be able to demonstrate that they have seen a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures. Local authorities may choose to make payments to other businesses based on local economic need. 

 

Lenders relax evidence requirements for loan scheme applications  

To speed up the provision of finance to small and medium-sized businesses under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the largest seven SME lenders (Barclays Bank UK, Danske Bank, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, Santander and Virgin Money) have stated that rather than relying on businesses providing forecasts and business plans in applications, lenders will use their own information.  

While the exact details of the changes are still to be released, the moves should make the loan scheme easier to access and make the application process quicker. 

 

Grant funding provided to businesses by local authorities in England 

The Government has published data on the amount of money distributed to SMEs by every local authority in England as part of the two grant schemes launched to help businesses deal with Covid-19. 

As at 3 May, over £8.6 billion had been paid out to over 697,000 organisations. The figures include payments of the Small Business Grants Fund scheme and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grants Fund. Around three-quarters of eligible businesses have applied.

Councils across England will receive another £1.6 billion in additional funding as they continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. This will mean an extra £300 million for the devolved administrations, £155 million for Scotland, £95 million for Wales and £50 million for Northern Ireland. 

 

£1.25 billion support package announced for innovative firms 

On 20 April, the Chancellor announced a £500 million Future Fund designed to ensure high-growth companies across the UK receive the investment they need to continue during the crisis. In addition, £750 million of grants and loans will be available to SMEs focusing on research and development. 

Delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank and launching in May, the Future Fund will provide UK-based companies with between £125,000 and £5 million from the government, with private investors at least matching the government commitment. These loans will automatically convert into equity on the company’s next qualifying funding round, or at the end of the loan if they are not repaid.  

To be eligible, a business must be an unlisted UK registered company that has previously raised at least £250,000 in equity investment from third-party investors in the last five years. 

The scheme, which will initially be open until the end of September, will be kept under review. 

 

Important change to eligibility of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 

On 15 April, the Chancellor has made a Treasury Direction under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 which sets out the legal framework for the Scheme, including an important change to the scheme’s employee eligibility criteria. 

The Direction states that: 

The employer must have a pay as you earn (“PAYE”) scheme registered on HMRC’s real time information system for PAYE on 19 March 2020 (“a qualifying PAYE scheme”). 

Previously the cut-off date was 28 February 2020. The updated criteria includes: 

• you can claim for employees that were employed as of 19 March 2020 and were on your PAYE payroll on or before that date; this means that you will have made an RTI submission notifying HMRC of payment of that employee on or before 19 March 2020 

• employees that were employed as of 28 February 2020 and on payroll (i.e. notified to HMRC in an RTI submission on or before 28 February) and were made redundant or stopped working for you after that, and prior to 19 March 2020, can also qualify for the scheme if you re-employ them and put them on furlough. 

The BVRLA has raised concerns to ministers that those companies who make their RTI submissions on or after the 20th of each month, and will have to use their February RTI submission, could be disadvantaged as new employees could be left out of scope of the scheme. 

The association is suggesting that it would be sensible to base employee eligibility criteria on an employee’s start date.      

 

Grant funds

The Government has published new guidance on business support grant funding settings out details of eligibility and delivery of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).

 

HMRC Webinars: Support for employers and the self-employed 

HMRC are delivering a programme of webinars on the measures to support employers, people and self-employed individuals through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. You can watch a video of the recorded webinar on the HMRC YouTube channel 

 

VAT deferment

The Government has published updated guidance on Deferral of VAT payments due to coronavirus, to help businesses manage their cashflow. 

You can only defer: 

• quarterly and monthly VAT returns’ payments for the periods ending in February, March and April 

• payments on account due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 

• annual accounting advance payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 

If you pay by Direct Debit you should cancel this with your bank. You should do so in sufficient time so that HMRC does not attempt to automatically collect on receipt of their VAT return.

 

Business rates: expanded retail discount

• The Government has confirmed that car rental companies in England will benefit from a business rate holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses for the 2020 to 2021 tax year.
• The recently announced initiative is designed to help support businesses managing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The guidance which has been published for local authorities confirms that where the premises are wholly or mainly being used for the purposes of car rental, the business rates holiday is available.
• Organisations can apply to the local authority if their branch is based in, and pays business rates to, an English local authority, regardless of where the head office is located.
• Any enquiries on eligibility for, or provision of, the reliefs should be directed to your relevant local authority.

 

Business rates and cash grants

Businesses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can obtain the following business rates relief and support:

England

• Expanding the 100% business rates holiday for the next 12 months to cover all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England - not just those up to £51k Rateable Value.
• Providing a £25,000 cash grant to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in smaller premises, with a Rateable Value below £51k.
• Increasing the proposed £3,000 cash grant to 700,000 small businesses (those eligible for Small Business Rate Relief) to a £10,000 cash grant. We think this will also apply for those eligible for rural rates relief.

Scotland

• 12 months 100% relief rates holiday for businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail. Grants will also available for Scottish companies in this sector
• Providing a £25,000 grant for businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail with a rateable value between £18,000 and £51,000.
• Small firms receiving the small business bonus or rural relief will be eligible for a £10,000 grant. Businesses will be also be able to request to defer all payment.
• All non-domestic properties will get 1.6% relief, reversing the poundage change.

Northern Ireland

• 3 months rates holiday for all businesses, which effectively means a further 25% discount off your bill
• The issuing of rates bills will be deferred from April until June
• Small firms who are eligible for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme will receive a £10,000 grant
• Providing a £25,000 grant to companies in the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors with a rateable value from £15,000 to £51,000.

Wales

• 12 months rates relief for businesses in retail, leisure and hospitality
• £25,000 grant for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000
• Shops leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or less will receive 100% business rates relief, administered through their local authority
• Businesses should contact their local authority for more guidance and to apply. The Government has issued the following guidance on the operation and delivery of the support. 

More details can be found here:

Scottish Government support

Scottish local authority details

Welsh Assembly Government

 

Other useful links and numbers

• Financial support is available from the British Business Bank.
• The Bank of England have also announced a comprehensive package of measures to help UK businesses and households bridge across the economic disruption that is likely to be associated with Covid-19. Interest rates have been reduced from 0.75% to 0.25% and additional funding will be available for banks to increase lending, especially to SMEs.
• A number of private lenders are also making funds available to small businesses impacted by Covid-19, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group and £5 billion from NatWest
• HMRC has launched a dedicated tax helpline to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Find all the information here. The number is 0800 0159 559.

Companies House has produced guidance for companies who have been affected by Covid-19) and need more time to file their financial accounts. Find all the information here.

 

The BVRLA Guide to Operating during the Covid-19  

The association has published a 20-page guide tailored specifically for those operating in the vehicle rental and leasing sectors. 

 

DVSA provides vehicle testing update

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is recommending that fleet operators should get cars and vans tested now that garages are open, even if they have been granted an exemption during the Covid pandemic.

This will help to mitigate the risk of a backlog and too much demand at one time, once the six-month exemption period expires. Any vehicle that has been granted a six-month exemption will not have it removed.

For HGVs the plan is to start testing from 4 July and the DVSA will give a three-month exemption for vehicles whose test is due in July, including vehicles that have already been given a previous exemption.

From August, they will only give a three-month exemption to vehicles that are due for a test that month and which haven’t already had an exemption. This approach will continue for the rest of the year to ensure that test centres are not hit with two-months' worth of tests needing to be done in one month.

DVSA recognises that October will present a problem because of the vehicles that were previously given a three-month exemption in April and then also in July. As well as threatening to overload test centres, this is also peak logistics season in the run up to Christmas. DVSA is seeking a change in legislation which will allow it to exempt certain vehicles from testing based on their age and Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) score.

Members should email BVRLA Director of Fleet Services, Amanda Brandon with any questions at amanda@bvrla.co.uk

 

Guidance for delivery and collection of vehicles during Covid

The BVRLA has published Guidance for vehicle collection, delivery, distribution, storage and technical services. 

The 9-page document was written by the Finance and Leasing Association with contributions from the BVRLA, National Association of Motor Auctions and the Vehicle Remarketing Association.  

The short guide, which reflects Government guidance as at 1 June 2020, is intended to clarify the requirements that apply on vehicle and parts collections, delivery and distribution, storage and technical services. 

 

Department for International Trade hosts series of webinars  

The DIT is running a series of hour-long webinars to help businesses during the Covid-19 whose operations rely on international trade. You can register to attend via the following links: 

Risk management when considering new markets takes place at 10am tomorrow (Thursday 21 May)  

Managing disruption of supply chains during COVID-19 takes place at 2.30pm on Friday 22 May 

 

Freight industry exempt from international travel restrictions 

Freight industry guidance on international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic states that international and domestic freight transport, including by air, ship, road and rail, is classified by UK government as an essential activity in the context of its travel advice.  

The advice against non-essential travel is not intended to apply to international and domestic freight transport. 

 

Guidance for transport operators 

The government has published guidance to help organisations, agencies and self-employed transport providers understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their workers and passengers across all modes of private and public transport. 

 

New road signs for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to help social distancing 

The Department for Transport has issued statutory guidance for local authorities to help reallocate road space to ensure adherence to social distancing rules. 

The Government hopes that people will avoid public transport and will instead travel by car or if possible, walk or cycle. 

On Friday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also announced a £2 billion package to put cycling and walking at the heart of Government’s transport policy. 

 

CMA expectations around customer refunds  

Government guidance published by the Competition & Markets Authority states that consumer protection law will generally allow consumers to obtain a refund.  

For most consumer contracts the CMA would expect a consumer to be offered a full refund where: 

• a business has cancelled a contract without providing any of the promised goods or services; 
• no service is provided by a business, for example because this is prevented by Government public health measures; 
• a consumer cancels, or is prevented from receiving any services, because Government public health measures mean they are not allowed to use the services. 

 

Company car guidance during Covid 

HMRC has published new guidance on the treatment of Benefit-in-Kind and company cars during the Covid crisis.  

Where restrictions on movement apply because of coronavirus and prevent the car from being handed back or collected, HMRC will accept that a company car is unavailable in the following circumstances: 

• where the contract has terminated - from the date that the car keys (including tabs or fobs) are returned to the employer or to a third party as instructed by the employer 
• where the contract has not been terminated – after 30 consecutive days from the date that the car keys (including tabs or fobs) are returned to the employer or to a third party as instructed by the employer 

It also recognises that following relaxation of coronavirus restrictions it may take some time to return cars where contracts have been terminated. If your employee continues to have no access to the keys until the car is collected from them, HMRC will still regard the car as being unavailable. 

 

BVRLA collaborates on operational guidance   

The BVRLA is working with other trade bodies in the automotive industry to develop some COVID-19 safety guidance on key operational issues, including vehicle collections, deliveries and cleaning.  

If there are any other operational issues that you would like to see covered by this kind of industry-wide guidance, please get in touch with BVRLA Fleet Services Director, Amanda Brandon at amanda@bvrla.co.uk. 

 

Guidance for firms handling complaints during Covid crisis  

On 1 May, the Financial Conduct Authority published information clarifying how firms should handle complaints during the coronavirus crisis. 

The FCA understands that firms’ capacity to handle complaints could be reduced as a result of coronavirus, but they expect firms to prioritise the following three things: 

1. paying promptly complainants who have been offered redress and accepted that offer 

2. the prompt and fair resolution of complaints from: 

   1. consumers who are likely to be vulnerable to harm if their complaint is not resolved promptly and fairly, and 

   2. micro-enterprises and small businesses who are likely to face serious financial difficulties if their complaint is not resolved promptly and fairly

3. sending timely holding responses to those complainants in 2. where their complaints cannot be resolved promptly  

If firms cannot deliver these priorities effectively through home working, then a minimal physical onsite presence may be required, provided that the site is configured for social distancing in line with Government guidelines.  

The regulator reiterates that firms should take all reasonable steps to ensure as much complaint handling as possible continues through staff working from home, where this can be done fairly and effectively. 

 

Guidance for cleaning of non-healthcare settings 

The Government has issued revised guidance for businesses on how to safety clean areas in non-healthcare settings such as: 

• workplaces
• offices
• waiting rooms
• hotel rooms
• student accommodation

The guidance describes the cleaning required, the appropriate disposal of materials, the cleaning of equipment and hard surfaces, and the personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be worn.  

 

FCA introduces temporary measures  

The Financial Conduct Authority has introduced some temporary measures for firms submitting regulatory returns.  The extension applies for submissions that are due up to and including 30 June 2020.  

For small or medium-size businesses (paying less than £10,000 in fees and levies in 2020/2021) the administrative fee for late returns has also been waived until 30 June 2020.

 

FCA introduces measures to help motor finance customers facing financial difficulties   

The Financial Conduct Authority has announced a package of coronavirus support measures for consumers having difficulties paying their motor finance, including personal contract hire products.   

More details can be found in the regulator’s  guidance for firms offering Motor finance.  

If customers are experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to coronavirus, the FCA is expecting firms to:  

• offer a 3-month payment freeze or another alternative which is in the best interests of the customer
• not take steps to end the agreement or repossess the vehicle

The measures outlined, do not prevent firms from providing more favourable forms of assistance to any customer, including a longer payment freeze, if appropriate.  

There is no expectation under this guidance that the firm makes enquiries with each customer to determine the circumstances surrounding a request for a payment deferral, or whether this is not in the customer’s interests. Where a term is being extended, firms should bring to the attention of the customer the need to consider wider implications of the extension – such as potential knock-on effects on insurance, warranties, breakdown cover or MOT. 

 

Government has taken further action to support bus and lorry drivers   

Temporary changes have been applied to help keep 30,000 drivers on the road each month – essential to keeping key supply chains flowing.  

The changes - which apply to drivers whose licences are due to expire or have expired since 1 January 2020 - include:  

• temporary removal of the routine D4 medical   
• as long as they are fit to drive, applicants will be able to apply for a one-year licence without the need to provide further medical evidence  

The DVLA has assured the BVRLA that these licence renewal applications are being given the highest priority.    

Members are advised that there is a specific address that these applications must be sent to: DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BR.  

  

DVLA extends deregistration period 

The DVLA has extended the period after registration in which a vehicle can be deregistered from seven working days to 14 working days.  

Members may wish to liaise with dealers, where possible, to see if vehicles which were due to be delivered on the cusp of the lockdown and are no longer required can be deregistered. 

 

RIDDOR advice updated to include Covid-19 

RIDDOR, (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013), has been updated to include new advice of the reporting of COVID-19.  

This follows a joint statement from the HSE, CBI and TUC saying that businesses staying open during the coronavirus must guarantee safe working conditions including social distancing.  

You must only make a report under RIDDOR when:  

• an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence. 
• a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID 19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work. This must be reported as a case of disease. 
• a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus. 

Read more on RIDDOR reporting of Covid-19 on the Health & Safety Executive website.  

 

Relaxation of driver’ hours extended by a further month 

The drivers’ hours relaxations that began on Monday 23 March 2020 and were due to end on 21 April 2020, will now run until 31 May 2020. 

A specific review of the continuation of the relaxations past 21 April has been conducted and, on the basis of the current evidence, a decision has been made to continue with the relaxations, (apart from the relaxation on break requirements) until 23:59 on Sunday 31 May 2020. 

Anyone driving under the EU drivers’ hours rules or the GB drivers’ hours rules and undertaking carriage of goods by road can use the relaxations where necessary. The relaxations are not limited to specific sectors or journeys. 

 

DVLA prioritises services to support critical workers 

The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency has confirmed that it is prioritising applications relating to HGV and PCV drivers and critical workers to make sure they get any documentation they need as quickly as possible.   

The agency has also produced a set of FAQs for fleets published on 14 April.

Due to staff shortages, the DVLA fleet helpdesk has also reduced its opening hours to 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. 

All its online services are still available. For more information or to access the services please visit GOV.UK 

 

Company car/fuel tax

There is no reduction in company car tax payable if somebody is not able to use their car for any length of time, the only time there is a reduction is if the car is unavailable to the employee.

By unavailable this means that the keys must be returned to the employer to ensure there can be no use of the car.

For private fuel this does require a re-write of the company policy to show that private fuel is no longer available.

Further information is available in HMRC Guidance.

 

Vehicle taxing

The Department for Transport has announced that from 30 March 2020, all cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require a MOT test will be exempt from needing a test.  While the exemption is in place, vehicles can be taxed as normal.  You can tax online at www.gov.uk/vehicletax , or call 0300 1234 321 or at the Post Office. Further details can be found on the Government website.

 

Three-month driving test suspension

All practical driving tests and annual testing for lorries, buses and coaches have been suspended for up to three months from 25 March.

 

HGV - O-licence maintenance inspections

The Office of the Traffic Commissioners has confirmed a more flexible approach to adding and removing vehicles from operator licences and the ability for operators to maintain their regular inspection programmes. The latest advice is on their website.

 

Travel advice

Members are advised to check the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before allowing a vehicle to go abroad.

The Government has published guidance for British people travelling and living overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

Penalty charge notices

As ever with penalties and parking charges, there is variation depending on who has issued the notice. The following information summarises the current state of play and will be updated as and when new information is received.

Dart Charge – It has been confirmed that late representations will be acceptable if offices are closed, Members who wish to receive a spreadsheet of penalties issued should email amanda@bvrla.co.uk .

Transport for London – The congestion charge, low emission zone and the ultra-low emission zone have now been suspended. You may still receive penalties for week commencing 23 March 2020.  If you would like a spreadsheet of the penalties issued to you in the last two weeks please email amanda@bvrla.co.uk with your registered keeper details and an email address for the file to be sent to. This information will be sent to Transport for London.

London Councils – London Councils have advised the boroughs in London to take a flexible approach to enforcement during these difficult times.

Private parking – The BVRLA is working with the British Parking Association on a communication to their members encouraging electronic communication and a flexible approach to enforcement.

Local Government Association – Are advising councils in England, Scotland and Wales to take a flexible approach to enforcement during these difficult times.

 

Business insurance

It is recommended that members check what their business insurance coverage is with their insurer or broker. The Association of British Insurers state that:

“Standard commercial insurance policies – the type the vast majority of businesses purchase – provide cover against a wide range of day to day risks including damage caused by fire, flood, theft and accidents involving employees.

Further information is available on the Association of British Insurers website.

Only a very small minority of businesses choose to buy any form of cover that includes local closure due to an infectious disease.”

The Government has published Covid:19 Guidance for employees, employers and businesses 

Business Support Helpline for all regions of the UK

Businesses can access free, impartial business support and signposting services, including business advice on Covid-19 by calling a dedicated helpline: 

The Business Support Helpline number for businesses in England has changed to 0800 998 1098. For businesses in Scotland the helpline number is 0300 303 0660, in Wales it is 0330 060 300 and in Northern Ireland it is 0800 181 4422. 

 

Coronavirus Business Support Blog  

Read about how other businesses have used government support schemes and working safely guidance in the Government’s Coronavirus Business Support Blog.   

 

Government to guarantee Trade Credit insurance 

The Government has announced that it will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance, ensuring that the majority of insurance coverage will be maintained across the market. 

 

Business rates revaluation postponed 

A revaluation of business rates will no longer take place in 2021 to help reduce uncertainty for firms. This comes after the business rates retail discount was increased to 100% from 50% for 2020 to 2021 to help businesses affected by the impacts of coronavirus. 

The government is continuing work on the fundamental review of business rates, with the key aims of reducing the overall burden on businesses, improving the current business rates system, and considering more fundamental changes in the medium-to-long term. 

 

Coronavirus testing expanded to include all essential workers with symptoms 

Coronavirus testing in England has now been expanded to include any worker who needs to leave home to travel to work and cannot work from home.  

The guidance has now been updated and the full list for testing now includes: 

•    all those working on the frontline in health and social care (with or without symptoms) 

•    patients in the NHS and residents in care homes (with or without symptoms) 

•    all other essential workers with symptoms 

•    people who live with essential workers and have symptoms 

•    people over 65 with symptoms 

•    anyone who goes into work because they cannot work from home (for example, construction workers) and has symptoms 

Information is published separately for those in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. 

 

Public invited to ask questions at daily coronavirus press conference 

The Government has changed the format of the daily coronavirus conference to now also include questions from the public. Anybody over 18 years old can submit a question via www.gov.uk/ask and questions are reviewed at midday on the day of the press conference, with one selected each day. 

 

Companies House supports businesses impacted by Covid-19  

Companies House has today announced that it will temporarily pause the strike-off process to prevent companies being dissolved.  

This will give businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak the time they need to update their records and help them avoid being struck-off the register. 

In addition, companies issued with a late filing penalty due to Covid-19 will have appeals treated sympathetically. 

Today’s announcement builds on measures already implemented by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which give businesses the ability to apply for a 3-month extension to file accounts with Companies House. 

 

Three-month extension to file business accounts 

The Government has confirmed that from 25 March, businesses can apply for a 3-month extension to file accounts with Companies House. This joint initiative between the government and Companies House will enable businesses to prioritise managing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

As part of the agreed measures, while companies will still have to apply for the 3-month extension to be granted, those citing issues around COVID-19 will be automatically and immediately granted an extension. Applications can be made through a fast-tracked online system which will take just 15 minutes to complete. 

 

Government data on transport use  

The Government has started to publish the transport data that is sent by the Department for Transport to the Cabinet Office each day for use in the government’s daily media briefings. 

It shows changes in: 

1. road traffic in Great Britain 

2. rail passenger journeys in the UK 

3. rail station concourse footfall at a set of monitored stations 

4. Transport for London’s (TfL) tube and bus routes 

5. bus travel in Great Britain (excluding London) 

The data is compiled in as near to real time as possible and also includes a document setting out information on the data sources and methodology used to generate each of the headline measures. 

All the slides and datasets that have been used to accompany coronavirus press conferences can be found on this new web page. 

 

Using or working in transport 

The Government has published transport and travel guidance specifically for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the Coronavirus outbreak. 

 

Protection from eviction for commercial tenants 

Commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction. Further details are now available. 

 

Tax advice from government

HMRC has launched a dedicated tax helpline to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus. Find all the information here. The helpline number has changed to 08000 241222. Opening hours are from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Calls to the old helpline number will be redirected automatically. 

 

Health & Safety

• Guidance on advice to provide to staff including: how to help prevent spread of COVID-19; what to do if someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting; advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas; and advice for the certification of absence from work resulting from COVID19
• ACAS has published information for employees and employers, including information on simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff, sick pay and absence from work

 

Businesses trading internationally

Department for International Trade has published advice for UK businesses that export or deliver goods and services abroad and have been impacted by the spread of COVID-19.

 

Small businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has also published some useful information for businesses managing their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

20 May - Outlook for the automotive sector post pandemic 

Recent weeks have seen a surge in commentary reporting on what the future may hold for the automotive sector and its different business models and technologies. Here are a few: 

ING Bank highlights research from consultants CapGemini that shows that 40% of people under 35 in the UK are considering buying a car in 2020. It also points to a potential delay in the uptake of mobility services, particularly car sharing, and assesses the impact of low fuel prices and an economic downturn on demand for electric vehicles.  

FT article picks up from the ING report and assesses the potential for any short- or long-term pick-up in demand for cars, particularly from a younger demographic worried about using public transport. It also quotes high-profile figures within the automotive sector on the likelihood for any government incentives or scrappage schemes and whether these will be solely based on electric vehicles.  

Bloomberg NEF Electric Vehicle Outlook 2020 The Bloomberg New Economic Forum team have just published their annual EV Outlook, which provides industry-acknowledged forecasts on EV model availability, demand, share of new vehicle sales and growth in demand for new mobility services. 

 

6 May - New car and van registrations plummet during Covid crisis 

Latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures published yesterday (5 May) show a record fall in new car registrations with April figures down -97.3% as coronavirus shuts showrooms.  

April saw 4,321 new car registrations as deliveries continue to frontline workers and organisations. In stark contrast, there were 161,064 new cars registered in April last year.  

The SMMT are predicting that the year will end with around 1.68 million new car registrations during 2020. The lowest since 1992. 

The picture was equally as bleak in the new van market with new light commercial vehicle registrations down -86.2% in April compared to the same period last year. 

Year-to-date performance for both car and van registrations is almost half that of 2019. 

 

4 May - PM to outline plan for phased easing of lockdown  

Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement on Sunday 10 May outlining the Government’s roadmap to unlock various parts of the UK economy.  

The lifting of lockdown measures is not expected to happen all at once and will instead be phased in gradually, allowing the government to monitor the impact of changes at a national and local level. 

The Government will closely monitor the impact of any easing of restrictions and will reintroduce any measures that might be required to deal with a localised coronavirus outbreak. 

 

30 April - CBI Survey highlights car dealers as having a tough time 

April’s monthly health check of high street and online sales from the CBI reported that two-thirds of businesses had been adversely affected by the pandemic and almost all said they were experiencing cashflow problems.  

Wholesalers and car dealers – also covered by the survey – had an even tougher start to the lockdown than retailers.  

The CBI said 79% of retailers were suffering from an annual fall in business against 11% reporting an increase, but every one of the 24 motor traders surveyed said activity was down. 

According to the survey, which was carried out between 27 March and 15 April: 

67% of retailers said the Covid-19 outbreak was having a significant negative impact on their sales. 

39% of retailers reported a total shutdown of UK activity due to the outbreak. 

44% of retailers reported furloughing staff, while 8% reported permanent staff layoffs. 

96% of retailers reported cashflow difficulties, with 40% facing difficulties meeting tax liabilities. A further 31% of retailers also faced constraints on the availability of external finance. 

 

Private sector will carry deep scars following lockdown 

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) says that Britain’s economy is likely to lose out on £800bn of income over the next 10 years as the lockdown and a spike in unemployment leave deep scars on the private sector. 

The thinktank expects the economy to bounce back next year, but not to its previous level and with the unemployment rate still above 5% after hitting 10.5% this year. 

A second peak in the coronavirus outbreak or a prolonged shutdown into the summer would add between a third and a half more to the loss of income this year, NIESR added. 

 NIESR estimates that the global economy will shrink by 3.5% compared with just 0.5% following the financial crash in 2008, before bouncing back by 7% next year. 

 

22 April - Economic Impact Analysis 

The Centre for Cities has produced an analysis of which cities they believe will suffer the greatest economic impact as a result of Covid-19.  

The analysis is based on a model whereby various industries are categorised on the basis of the expected impact of the disease classifying them as either “Unaffected or Higher Demand”, “Affected”, “Vulnerable” or “Very Vulnerable” based on the percentage of businesses they have in each impacted category.  

 

14 April - OBR predicts tough times ahead

The Office for Budget Responsibility has published an economic scenario based on an assumption that there will be a three-month lockdown followed by another three-month period when they are partially lifted. 

The OBR, created in 2010 to provide independent and authoritative analysis of the UK’s public finances, does not attempt to predict how long the economic lockdown will last – that is a matter for the Government, informed by medical advice. It does, however, aim to illustrate some of the potential fiscal effects of the coronavirus crisis on the UK economy. 

For now, the assumption is that there will be an economic shock with real GDP falling 35 per cent in the second quarter, but bouncing back quickly. The scenario also sees unemployment rising by more than 2 million to 10 per cent in the second quarter.  

If the scenario proves to be correct then lockdown would end around mid-June and restrictions would end mid-Sept. Actual timescales will depend on how successful the public health measures are in containing the outbreak. 

Cyber Security Guidance for businesses during Covid-19 

The National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance to support businesses moving from physical to digital delivery as part of the ongoing Covid-19 response. 

The guidance includes advice on home working, video teleconferencing and spotting email scams related to Covid-19. 

 

Cyber security awareness

National cyber security authorities have issued guidance to help businesses to protect themselves against cyber criminals who are targeting individuals, small and medium enterprises, and large organizations worldwide with COVID-19-related scams and phishing campaigns.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ, have seen an increase in malicious activity with themes related to COVID-19 and are warning people to be extra vigilant.

 

Businesses warned of increase in Mandate Fraud 

The UK’s Counter Fraud function is warning businesses of an emerging trend in ‘Mandate Fraud’ as criminals look to exploit the fact that the public sector is rapidly changing ways of working, spending money quickly to deal with COVID-19. 

Mandate Fraud is a fraudulent request to change a direct debit, standing order or bank transfer mandate in order to divert payments or to create new payments. 

It can affect customer, supplier or employee bank accounts and is also known as creditor fraud, payment diversion fraud or supplier account takeover fraud. 

 

Guidance to protect your business against scams and fraud  

With people spending more time at home and online, criminals are using every opportunity they can to scam innocent people and their businesses. This guidance explains the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your business against fraud and cybercrime and where to get help. 

 

DVLA warns of fraudulent websites 

The DVLA is warning drivers about misleading third-party websites passing themselves off as DVLA.  

These sites might, for example, offer to help you apply for a driving licence, tax your car or connect you to a DVLA contact centre. These sites will often charge additional fees for services that you can get for free or at a lower cost on GOV.UK. 

To try and pass themselves off as genuine, these sites might include ‘DVLA’ in their web address (URL). They might also design their site to appear as if it’s DVLA - for example, using DVLA’s old ‘green triangle’ logo, which is no longer in use. 

Don’t be fooled by these sites - even if they appear at the top of search engine results. Always double check you’re using GOV.UK. 

 

Beware of scams and frauds

The fraud threat posed during emergency situations is higher than at other times. 

The Cabinet Office has formed a COVID-19 Fraud Response Team to assist the government with its counter fraud response. Requests for assistance should be emailed to: covid19-counter-fraud@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Any suspected SCAMS or fraudulent activity should also be reported it to ACTION FRAUD.

 

Covid-19 fraud and scams on the rise 

Led by UK Finance, and backed by the Government, the Take Five campaign has launched a web page to promote awareness of Covid-19 related fraud and scams. 

Unscrupulous criminals are using the publicity around coronavirus as a chance to target businesses and individuals with fraudulent emails, phone calls, texts messages and social media posts. 

Fraud poses a major threat to the UK and although it is a crime that the finance industry is committed to tackling, it requires the combined efforts of every sector, both public and private, to overcome. 

Members are advised to visit the campaign page to ensure vigilance and help protect your business against scams. 

 

Caution against abuse of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

HMRC chief urges caution to those tempted to abuse the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme  

Any fraudulent claims made under the scheme – for example, where employees have continued to work while furloughed – are likely to result in criminal convictions.  

Jim Harra, Chief Executive HM Revenue and Customs said:  

“We are aware that some employees have already been reporting that some employers have asked them to work during the furlough period. We expect the vast majority of employers to do the right thing and in fact in many cases they have no choice because people are genuinely furloughed and cannot work. 

“But we will be asking anyone who’s got information about the scheme being abused to let us know and there is an online hotline service for any employee who feels they are being asked to be complicit in something they don’t want to be complicit in.”  

 

Action Fraud warns of scammers 

Action Fraud has received reports of a scam email purporting to be from HM Government asking for donations to the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This is a fake email and your money will only end up in the hands of a criminal.

The NHS will never ask you to send money directly to a bank account. If you would like to donate to the NHS you can do so via their official channels or your local NHS Trust. 

Don't click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details. 

10 July

BVRLA asks the Chancellor to support the rental sector 

The BVRLA and six of its largest car rental members have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ask that the sector benefits from the same temporary 5% VAT rate that he applied to the hospitality and attractions industry last week.

In the letter, we made the case that the vehicle rental sector has been amongst the hardest hit during this crisis, as it is particularly reliant on the revenue from airport branches and leisure-based travel. Members have seen reductions of up to 90% in their leisure activity. Despite this, branches have remained open to meet the transport needs of key workers or ensure the delivery of essential goods services.  

The Chancellor was asked to give serious consideration to supporting car rental with a VAT reduction, in readiness for the sector playing a vital role in enabling Britons to explore the UK as part of their 2020 ‘staycation’ plans.

 

28 April

BVRLA explores options for getting the sector back up and running safely 

The BVRLA is working with members and talking to industry colleagues and government to explore ways in which the sector can get back to work in a sustainable way.  

One of the things being discussed is a more flexible type of furloughing that would allow firms to bring staff back to work on a part-time basis. This call was recently echoed by the New Shadow Chancellor, Anneliese Dodds MP, who cited Switzerland as an example for the UK to follow. 

The BVRLA is currently working on a policy paper on this topic. If any members would like to provide some input, they can contact BVRLA Senior Policy Advisor, Catherine Bowen at catherine@bvrla.co.uk.  

 

20 April

BVRLA responds to FCA’s coronavirus forbearance guidance 

The BVRLA has urged the FCA to work with government in developing a co-ordinated strategy on motor finance forbearance during the COVID-19 crisis.  

The association has today responded to FCA’s draft guidance on motor finance, which said that leasing companies must offer a three-month payment freeze or another alternative which is in the best interests of the customer.  

While welcoming the flexibility within the guidance, the BVRLA uses its response to make the case for a comprehensive approach from government and regulators that: 

• Underwrites the full economic loss resulting from coronavirus forbearance 

• Relaxes the constraints of meeting Consumer Credit Act administrative requirements 

• Ensures that bank covenants don’t stop lease companies providing forbearance 

• Delivers a clear message to consumers that a three-month payment deferral is not the automatic response to every forbearance request 

The BVRLA’s full response can be downloaded from our website here. The FCA is expected to publish its final guidance shortly. 

 

Concerns around forfeiting commercial leases if rent is not paid. 

The BVRLA has sent an urgent letter to the Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, raising concerns on loopholes in the Coronavirus Act 2020 legislation in relation to the forfeiting of commercial leases if rent is not paid. 

The association is concerned that, although the legislation restricts landlords from terminating the lease if rent is not paid, landlords are not prohibited from: 

1. Issuing a statutory demand that requires payment within 21 days, or the possibility of a court instructing that a business be wound-up; 

2. Issuing debt recovery proceedings where a landlord is likely to obtain a default judgement within one month of serving the proceedings. This would be immediately enforceable by enforcement agents/bailiffs; and 

3. Initiating Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) which enables a bailiff to attend the premises and seize assets upon expiry of a seven-day notice. The CRAR is a major risk for vehicle rental operators who have many valuable assets on site (i.e. vehicles). 

In its letter, the BVRLA has urged the Government to close these loopholes to protect businesses and apply restrictions on forfeiture to the other legal remedies that landlords can still use. 

 

14 April

Support for funders 

The BVRLA is working with the Finance & Leasing Association in urging the Government to increase its support for non-bank owned funders. The association has stepped up engagement with policymakers and regulators to ensure that all members have access to government funding support and are able to offer forbearance to their customers facing financial difficulties. 

This comes in a week when Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is expected to publish a consultation on motor finance forbearance required due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the Treasury Select Committee is assessing the government’s COVID-19 financial support packages.  

Currently, non-bank funders are excluded from both the Term Funding Scheme for SMEs, which is open to banks only, and the Covid Corporate Finance Facility. 

To meet a huge surge in customer requests for financial support, non-bank funders need access to additional funding on the same terms as their bank-owned counterparts. Some of our suggestions include: 

1. Providing alternative methods for non-bank owned leasing companies to access low-cost term funding or liquidity that can be used to support existing customers, such as a Forbearance Liquidity Funding Scheme. 

2. Expanding the Covid Corporate Finance Facility to provide funding to non-bank owned finance providers. 

3. Opening up the Term Funding Scheme for SMEs to non-bank owned leasing companies. 

Toby Poston, BVRLA Director of Corporate Affairs said: “We have had briefings with the Treasury Consumer Credit Team, the FCA Motor Finance team and Treasury Select Committee. We have also written a letter to the HM Treasury Financial Secretary, Jesse Norman MP. 

“In conjunction with our colleagues at the Finance & Leasing Association, we have been suggesting ways in which the Government’s financial support packages can get through to the non-bank owned parts of the vehicle leasing sector. The policymakers and regulators we have spoken to are really keen to help and we have been providing feedback from BVRLA members on what kind of assistance their customers need.”   

18 March 

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney wrote to the Chancellor on 18 March 2020 asking for business and regulatory support for the fleet sector, making clear the vital role that the vehicle rental sector will play in maintaining the essential movement of people, goods and services as the Covid-19 situation evolves. 

In the letter, the government is asked to provide:

Business support

1. Around 50% of most rental operator transactions are for leisure purposes (i.e. not for business), and most of this business is generated via airports, ports and other tourist locations. Can you ensure the vehicle rental sector is also included within your definition of the ‘leisure’ industry so that SME vehicle rental companies can obtain grants where their rateable value is between £15,000 and below £51,000.
2. Abolish the payment of business rates for all companies until it is clear the economic impact of the outbreak is beginning to decrease.
3. Ensure, in legislation, that banks are not permitted to foreclose on rental, leasing or car club businesses during the crisis and until this legislation is abolished.
4. Provide all businesses with at least three-months relief from paying VAT or employer’s National Insurance.
5. The government should guarantee a significant percentage of the salary of workers who are at serious risk of redundancy.
6. Cut VAT on goods and services, to stimulate demand and consumer spending, especially when the crisis is over.
7. Require HMRC’s default position to be the offer of a payment plan as part of the Time to Pay Scheme. Current guidance only states that HMRC “may” offer a plan.
8. We would echo the CBI’s call for “emergency relief for SMEs if the total cost of sick pay becomes unsustainable” to help maintain their cash flow.

Operational and regulatory support

9. Ensure any planned business or transport closures being considered do not include vehicle rental branches. We have already seen rental branches exempted from such closures in France, Austria and Spain, due to their essential role in providing mobility.
10. Penalty charge notices. With most staff now working remotely, people must be exempted or given more time to provide driver details and pay penalty charge notices and parking fines, due to:
11. 1. Posted fines and charges sitting unopened in empty offices
    2. Vehicles being stranded due to COVID-19 related closures or illness
12. We would also request a temporary relaxation of the strict requirements for MOTs and commercial vehicle periodic maintenance inspections as many fleets are finding that test centres, authorised testing facilities (ATFs) and workshops are closed or unavailable.
13. Require local authorities to follow London’s lead in relaxing rules on overnight and weekend deliveries, enabling logistics companies to maintain the supply chain for food medicines and other essential goods.

Supplies of PPE 

The government would like to get an industry perspective on the availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). It is particularly interested in understanding: 

• What type of PPE is required for your business to enable safer working?  Can the amount be qualified or quantified?  

• What other measures (other than or alongside PPE) need to be in place for business in your sector to operate safely?  

• Are you experiencing shortages of traditional PPE (e.g. dust masks)?  

• How critical is the need for your sector to access PPE in order to operate safely (bearing in mind the need for critical workers to receive these resources first)? 

It has asked the BVRLA to collate some input on behalf of the vehicle rental, leasing and fleet sectors. To share your views, please get in touch with BVRLA Fleet Services Director, Amanda Brandon at amanda@bvrla.co.uk. 

 

Members should get in touch with the policy team on policy@bvrla.co.uk with:

• Suggestions for other business, regulatory or operational support they would like to see from government, agencies or local authorities
• Suggestions for information or guidance they need from vehicle manufacturers or other parts of the automotive supply chain
• Any legal or regulatory guidance they need
• Information on how the outbreak:
  • Is impacting their business now
  • Is likely to impact over the next 4-8 weeks

The BVRLA remains very much open for business and has taken steps to adapt working practices to minimise face-to-face engagement. 

These processes will continue to be reviewed, but for now, the following applies:

• There will be no face-to-face meetings of any kind either at the BVRLA office or off-site, including Committees, Working Groups or small business meetings.
• All meetings will be conducted using telephone and videoconferencing facilities such as Zoom and PowWowNow.
• All face-to-face BVRLA training courses will be rescheduled.
• BVRLA staff are set up for remote working, where feasible and in accordance with government guidelines.
• The Parliamentary Reception event date has been rescheduled from Summer to 20 October 2020.
• The Leasing Broker Conference has been rescheduled from May to 14 October 2020.
• The TOM Forum and RVR Forum scheduled to take place in June will be two-hour Zoom meetings. 

 

 

The NHS has published general Advice for everyone on what you need to know to stay physically and mentally well. 

 

An affected sense of smell is confirmed as a coronavirus symptom  

The UK Chief Medical Officer announced on18 May that all individuals should self-isolate if they develop anosmia – which is the loss of or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked. 

 

Public advised to cover faces in enclosed spaces 

The public is advised to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces to help reduce the spread of coronavirus although face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing and regular handwashing, which remain the most important actions. 

 

Staying safe outside your home 

The Government has published guidance to set out the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent with others outside your home is as safe as possible.  

you are clinically vulnerable or extremely vulnerable, you should follow the guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people. 

 

Government launches test, track and trace plan 

Isle of Wight residents will be the first to get access to a new contact tracing app as part of government action to minimise the spread of COVID-19. 

The Isle of Wight was chosen to trial the project because it has a single NHS trust that covers all NHS services on the island. Everyone on the island will receive access to the official NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app from this Thursday, with NHS and council staff able to download from 4pm Tuesday 5 May. 

The app is part of the government’s next phase of the coronavirus strategy and will improve understanding of how a new integrated approach to test, track and trace will work for the rest of the population. 

 

30 April - Government ramps up on Covid-19 testing 

The Government has announced a major new programme of home testing for coronavirus to track the progress of the infection across England. 

In the first part of the Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission (REACT-1) programme, 100,000 randomly selected people from 315 local authorities across England will be invited to provide nose and throat swabs, which will be tested for antigens indicating the presence of the virus. This kind of test looks for evidence that someone is currently infected with the coronavirus. 

In the second part of the programme (REACT-2), a number of different antibody tests will be assessed for their accuracy and ease of use at home. 

The programme forms part of the government’s COVID-19 testing strategy 

 

Public Health England Blog

Public Health England has published a Coronavirus: What you need to know Blog answering questions about Covid-19. The Blog is being updated regularly as the pandemic progresses.