Weekly newsletter 20.04.20

Dear Residents,

The Coronavirus crisis has demanded a united and fast paced response. As such the guidance and support is continuously reviewed and updated as the Government makes every effort to protect people and businesses in this country. This update includes new information on:

The launch of the Future Fund for startups
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - how businesses can make a claim and the extension of the scheme until June
Guidance for charities
Community groups

The launch of the Future Fund for startups

Over the past weeks I have been working with the Chancellor's team and leading industry figures to develop a package to help the plight of Britain's great tech startups, a group who were unable to access the help and support being offered through this unprecedented crisis.

It is great news that today the Chancellor has unveiled a new world leading £1.25 billion comprehensive package which includes a £500 million Future Fund to support these startups. This will be vital to the economy both locally and nationally in the coming months and years.

The Future Fund is compromised of £250 million from Government combined with equal match funding from private investors. You are eligible if your business:

is based in the UK.

can attract the equivalent match funding from third party private investors and institutions.

has previously raised at least £250, 000 in equity investment from third party investors in the last 5 years.

Further detail on eligibility criteria and fund operation will be announced in due course.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended by one month until June to reflect continuing social distancing measures, see more information here.

The online service is now open for you to make a claim for your furloughed employee's wages. You can access the service here.

You will need to apply by 22 April 2020 to receive the money before the end of the month.

Guidance for charities

Last week the Government announced a £750 million package of support for frontline charities. Charities will also be able to access many of the measures the Chancellor previously announced for businesses. See more information here.

Volunteer groups

Harpenden

If you would like to volunteer or are in need of support visit https://harpendencares.org or call Harpenden Cares on 01582 460 457

Wheathampstead

If you need help then please contact the Parish Council by emailing info@wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk or call them on 01582 380 910. If you would like to volunteer contact the Wheathampstead Community Group Helpline on 07539 176 481

Redbourn

If you are in need of support please contact the Redbourn Care Group on 01582 794 550 or email info@rebourncaregroup.co.uk

Sandridge

If you would like to volunteer or are in need of support visit https://www.communities1st.org.uk/ or call Communities 1st on 020 8207 4504 or 020 8386 4006

Hitchin and surrounding villages

If you would like to volunteer or are in need of support visit https://www.thvolunteering.org.uk or call Herts Help on 0300 123 4044

For a full list of voluntary organisations please click here

Useful contacts/websites

For free, confidential, expert support or a listening ear: contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline Team on 0808 2000 247

For general advice: contact Hertfordshire Advice line on 03 444 111 444 or 03000 3300 650 from a mobile.

For general advice: contact Citizens Advice. You can leave a voicemail with your contact details and they will ring back as soon as they can. Call 01462 689 801 (North Hertfordshire), 01727 811 118 (St Albans District) or www.citizensadvice.org.uk

For issues related to products or services purchased: contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133

For advice on claiming Universal Credit: 0800 1448 444 (freephone) or citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim

For advice on insurance, cancelled travel/events and tips for self-isolation: take a look at this consumer rights hub created by Which? https://www.which.co.uk/news/coronavirus/

For tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing: take a look at https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

For tips to protect yourself from scammers: take a look at https://www.fca.org.uk/news/news-stories/avoid-coronavirus-scams

For business support: the Government has launched a portal for the registrations of offers of help, take a look at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business

For business support: contact the BEIS Business Support Helpline on 0300 456 3565 or visit https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

To make a claim for your furloughed employee's wages: access the online service here.

Each day my team and I receive hundreds of emails from constituents. All priority is now given to answering messages and helping residents with issues on and around the Coronavirus. If someone has forwarded you this newsletter and you would like to receive this information straight to your inbox, then you can sign up by following this link.

I will continue to hold telephone surgeries for constituents and businesses. If there is something you would like to discuss with me, contact my office at bim.afolami.mp@parliament.uk to book a slot. Please also ensure to provide your address details and a brief of what you would like to discuss.

News bulletin from Bim Afolami MP