Dear all
 
We understand that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is already impacting business in the National Park. This is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. We know from past experiences such as flooding and the foot and Mouth disease that such major incidents can have a devastating impact on our rural economy. We are also aware of many examples of creative resilience shown by businesses both during and after such events in recovery. We will work with partners to help promote and facilitate such a response.
 
Whilst we as a National Park Authority are not in a position to provide legal advice or to provide public health advice we can help share the various resources available. The webpage below will be kept updated as things develop so please check back regularly.

 
At this stage, and in line with current government advice,  we continue to advise anyone visiting the area to follow government advice on how to avoid catching or spreading the illness.

At this moment the Government have not advised closing or cancelling public events – however some individual event organisers are making such decisions and the official advice could change at any moment as things develop. Further details on this are outlined in the government’s Coronavirus action plan . More information about these measures, sometimes referred to as “social distancing”, are available on the Public Health England Blog .

The government announced in last week’s budget several m easures to help support businesse s during these times, including:
  • Increasing the Business Rates retail discount in England to 100% for the 2020 to 2021 tax year for properties below £51,000 rateable value. The relief will also be expanded to the leisure and hospitality sectors in response to COVID-19. Guidance on eligibility and claims process is expected week commencing 20th March.
  • A grant scheme, to be administered by Local Authorities, to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) with up to £3,000 as a one off grant to meet ongoing business costs
  • Tailored opportunities to review and agree payment plans for tax liabilities for businesses and the self-employed. If you are concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19, call HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559.
  • Bringing forward legislation to allow small and medium enterprises / employers to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for sickness absence due to COVID-19 with two weeks Statutory Sick Pay per eligible employee who has been off work because of COVID-19. The government will work with employers over the coming months to set up the repayment mechanism for employers as soon as possible

Further details as to how these mechanisms are to be accessed is awaited and will be shared once available. DCMS (the Department of Culture, Media and Sport) have released the following statement:
'We are following up with the Treasury urgently on the details of the scheme. We fully understand the urgency of this for businesses across the tourism sector, many who have already exhausted their reserves and are in need of urgent support in the next 1-2 weeks rather than in a few weeks. I will keep you posted as soon as we get more information ’.

National Park Authorities across England are working together to share best practice and have also approached central Government about the challenge the situation poses to the rural economy and the need to consider planning and resourcing recovery programmes in advance. Visit Exmoor are also developing a “Come Visit” programme to boost domestic tourism in the aftermath.

Helpful links
 
Dan James
Sustainable Economy Manager