Financial scheme information
Heart of the South West Growth Hub
Businesses should visit the Heart of the South West Growth Hub for advice and information on any financial support, including details of the Government schemes for businesses and the self-employed.
Local grants and support information
Additional Restrictions Grant
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant – The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
A £750m package has been announced to keep struggling charities afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cash grants will be given directly to charities providing key services during the crisis. As part of the scheme, £360m will be directly allocated by government departments to those charities. Another £370m will go to small local charities, including those delivering food and essential medicines and providing financial advice.
You can find out more here
Job Retention Scheme
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers with a PAYE scheme were able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. This applied to employees who had been asked to stop working, but who were being kept on the pay roll.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ended on 30 September 2021. You can check a previous claim here
VAT Deferral
The VAT deferral new payment scheme has now closed. Find out about VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Expanded Retail Discount Scheme
Offers 100% business rates reliefs to businesses in the retail sector, in 2020/21, regardless of their rateable value. You can see full details here. Please note that local authorities will be rebilling charities in some cases having already issued a rates bill before the Scheme was announced. You can find out more on business rates holiday for retail hospitality and leisure here.
Other Funding, Information and Assistance
Spark Somerset
A local infrastructure charity for the VCSE, providing information, support and guidance to charities across the county and supporting the coordination of volunteers as part of Coronavirus (COVID-19) response.
This website is updated daily, as they are receiving information directly from the government, the Charities Commission and numerous national umbrella organisations.
They also have a direct link from the website to national sources such as NCVO, ensuring that users can access the very latest guidance. You can find out more on the Spark Somerset website
Somerset Community Foundation
Somerset Community Foundation launched the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal in late March 2020 to raise vital funds to help communities through this difficult time. They raised over £1.5 million. This funding provided almost 400 grants to local charitable groups to help them respond to urgent need. Donations provided food, medicine, counselling, emotional support, housing and so much more. You can read more here Somerset Community Appeal webpage.
Arts Council England Emergency Funding
£160 million of emergency funding is being made available for organisations and individuals who need it during the Covid-19 crisis. They have also changed the funding requirements for those currently in receipt of funding, to help alleviate pressure on them. You can find out more here
Support and advice
Free information, support and advice for those needing help during Covid 19 can be obtained from:
Guidance to help manage financial difficulties in your charity caused by coronavirus
Many charity trustees are having to cope with serious financial challenges during Covid 19 that will have a major effect on their charities and those who depend on them. The government has therefore put together some guidance and practical steps for trustees, especially at smaller charities, who may need help facing difficult situations or decisions. You can find it here
Guidance for the Charity Sector
Find guidance to help with running your charity during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak here.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19) – This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic.
Heart of the South West Growth Hub
You can also find free support, advice and information on sources of finance, along with assistance on working from home through your local Heart of the South West Growth Hub.
HMRC Covid Helpline
HMRC have additional helplines, including one set up to support voluntary organisations concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to coronavirus on 0800 0159 559. You can find more details about contacting HMRC here.
Mind
The charity Mind provide advice on how to support your mental wellbeing during this difficult period. The Mind website includes practical advice on coping with staying at home and updates on how the new coronavirus laws could affect your rights. There is also useful information for any young person who is currently struggling.
Step Change
Contact the debt charity Step Change to get expert debt advice and fee-free debt management to help you tackle your debts. You can find out more on their website or phone 0800 138 1111
Business Coronavirus Support Finder
The government has launched a Business Coronavirus Support Finder to quickly help businesses determine what financial support is available for themselves or their business.