Covid-19 advice for businesses

The UK Government has a range of support measures for businesses. Full and up to date advice can be found on the UK Government website. Some of the support measures include:

• Option to pay VAT in smaller amounts up until March 2022
• One-off grants for businesses impacted by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant
  
  

You can find out what financial support schemes you may be eligible for by visiting the Gov.uk website.

We are working very hard to ensure as many eligible businesses as possible access the grants and rate relief schemes administered through the local authority. 

We are also working closely with the Thames Valley Berkshire Business Growth Hub, so that local businesses can also benefit from its bespoke advice services and other forms of business support.

The hub offers free, impartial business advice and support services to local businesses. From financial support to Covid-19 recovery or growth planning, whatever challenges you’re facing or questions you have, the team can provide one-to-one support. Visit the Thames Valley Berkshire Business Hub website, or call 01344 388 005.

If you have to take time off work and you do not get paid while you're off, you might be entitled to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit to top up your income. Visit the Government's self-employment and universal credit web page.

If you pay Council Tax you might also be able to claim Council Tax Support, you can do this via:

• The how to claim housing benefit or council tax reduction web page    
• The council tax discounts and reductions webpage      
  
  

Advice

We are looking at different ways to help and support people who are self-employed. There are some things that you can do yourself like:

• Get advice on money and debt from Citizens Advice Wokingham
• Ask your lender for a mortgage payment holiday
• Ask your landlord for a rent holiday
• Get help to pay your tax from HMRC