10 Jul July COVID-19 updates

COVID-19 Update 10/07/2020

When I started drafting this update, it looked like we were going to have 2 quiet weeks with nothing of significance on which to report.  Well, that has certainly changed in the last couple of days, and I’ve gone from trying to find ways of bulking this update out, to trying to keep it as concise as possible.

So, without further ado.

Summer Statement

The chancellor has clearly been a very busy man in preparation for his Summer Statement, with this being what he considers to be the second phase of a 3 phase plan to get the country back on its feet.

The Chancellor’s plan has been designed to support jobs by focussing on skills and young people, create jobs with investment in ‘shovel-ready projects’ and ‘greening’ national infrastructure, and to protect jobs through a VAT cut for the hospitality sector and a landmark Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme for diners.

This is mainly aimed at the economy as a whole, with big investment projects and initiatives focused around generating new business in order to get the country back up and running. The Eat Out to Help Scheme is designed to encourage people to start going out to eat again in pubs and restaurants with the Government picking up part of the bill from participating businesses.

Reopening the economy.

Yesterday (09/07/20) the Culture Secretary announced that those businesses which continued to stay closed after the 4^th July will now be allowed to open with specific restrictions still in place. Those businesses and activities are:

• Pools
• Gyms
• Nail bars
• Beauticians
• and team sports – starting with cricket- will be allowed to resume.

Outdoor performance arts are also allowed to recommence with the government looking specifically at how indoor performing arts and theatres can reopen safely.

Changes to MOT

As you will be aware very early on the Government issued changes to MOT testing, giving those whose tests where due to expire during lockdown an automatic extension. With Lockdown all but lifted the Government are reintroducing MOTs from 1^st August. So, time to check if your vehicle needs its MOT!

To finish…

Like many of you I am in desperate need of a haircut and I have mentioned in a previous update on my increasingly striking resemblance to a spaniel. Well, I am happy to say I’m seeing a hairdresser this evening so I can get back to having my more usual streamlined and less spaniel-like appearance.

On that note.  As always stay safe.

Kind Regards;

James Sumner FdA