Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

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Insurer believes moving ban of petrol and diesel cars to 2030 is an ambitious target

CLARE Egan, Head of Motor at Admiral, said:- "The recent UK Government announcement to move forward the plans to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars in the UK to 2030 is an ambitious target and will mean the uptake of electric cars will have to increase if we are to stand a chance of meeting that goal. We've seen from our data that the interest in electric cars is definitely on the rise as the number of electric vehicles insured with us has increased by 161% on average in the last 3 years. We'd expect to see that figure to continue to grow as the car industry intensifies its focus on electric vehicles. We want to help normalise electric car ownership as much as possible, so while you can choose to take out a dedicated electric vehicle insurance policy if you want to, you don't have to. Some electric vehicles are expensive, but the range of affordable models and 2nd hand market is increasing, so it certainly pays to shop around if you're thinking of switching to an electric or hybrid car. Over time electric vehicles are cheaper to own and run compared to petrol or diesel alternatives, so as well as reducing your impact on the environment, they also reduce the impact on your wallet."

Sector Needs a Long term People Plan

CARE England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, has responded to a call for evidence on good practice on in work progression from the Department for Work and Pensions. The submission includes a call for a long term people plan for the adult social care sector. Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, says:- "The long term funding gap is the primary threat to the care sector. Maintaining the financial sustainability of social care providers is of fundamental importance in maintaining the capacity of the health and care system at large. Adequate funding to allow care providers to increase the wages of the workforce will help recognise their extraordinary efforts over the past year and entice new recruits into the sector. This will ultimately benefit the whole country in its recovery from the Pandemic. For too long, Governments of all stripes have implemented policies that have in fact thwarted the ability of care providers to develop their workforces. For example, failing to fund providers to implement increases in the National Living Wage in a sustainable manner. We sincerely hope that such disjointed policymaking will be a thing of the past once we emerge from the Pandemic."

In its submission Care England presents several key areas of reform within the care sector that would in turn help contribute to the recovery of the UK economy by providing meaningful employment. mThe work and sacrifices made by colleagues throughout adult social care during the Pandemic has demonstrated the professionalism within the workforce that for years has not been acknowledged. It should now be the utmost priority of the Government to take this opportunity and properly fund the sector. An increase in funding is essential in diminishing vacancy rates and increasing the appeal of social care to the domestic workforce. More integration with the NHS will further help career progression and bring the care sector to equal footing with the NHS. Martin Green continues:- "Sustainable funding will help providers to think strategically, provide competitive rates which encourage long term employment and provide substantial training and development. The creation of a 10 year plan for the social care workforce, akin to that in the NHS, will help demonstrate the opportunities strategy within the future of social care."

Survey highlights need to build farmers' confidence in ELMS

A survey has shown farmers and landowners have a strong interest in the environment and the need to tackle climate change, but they do have concerns over the lack of clarity on the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS). The survey, carried out jointly by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and Strutt and Parker ahead of the first CLA Rural Powerhouse Week, offers an insight into how farmers and landowners feel about the shift away from Basic Payments to a new system of farm support based on the provision of 'public goods.'

It found that 80% of respondents were concerned about losses in biodiversity and the same percentage agreed with the idea of paying land managers for producing public goods. More than half reported they were already taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and 64% said a sense of personal responsibility would motivate them to make climate change a higher priority in terms of managing their land and property.

4 out of 5 respondents said they were either likely or very likely to join ELMS, or an equivalent scheme, when it becomes fully available in 2024. Environmental measures, which farmers said that they were likely or very likely to sign up to as part of ELMS, included:- supporting pollinators by increasing pollen and nectar sources (78%), providing seed habitats to support woodland birds over winter (73%) and tree planting to absorb carbon (57%). However, there were lower levels of support for options such as growing energy crops (25%) or planting trees to slow flood waters (35%). Respondents also signalled that they did have concerns about how ELMS will operate.

The survey found:-

► 64% expect the change from direct payments to payment for public goods under ELMS to result in lower farm profitability

► 76% said they were concerned the payments will be insufficient

► 57% said they were concerned administration will be poor

► 44% said they were concerned that ELMs will not deliver the prescribed environmental benefits

CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:- "It's very encouraging to see that mitigating climate change and reversing biodiversity decline is at the top of many farming businesses' priority list. Also that farmers and landowners are keen to take part in the Government's new ELMS scheme. The public can see the impact of biodiversity loss and climate change and understandably they expect us to act. As stewards of the countryside, we are uniquely placed to deliver meaningful programmes that will drive environmental recovery, and we are determined to play our part in meeting the challenges ahead. These results do show, however, some trends that will concern Government, whose optimism for the move towards 'public money for public goods' is clearly not shared by all farmers. The CLA believes ELMS has the potential to be a world-leading land management policy, but there are clear risks associated with transitioning from the old system to the new. Ministers should consider these findings carefully."

James Farrell, Head of Rural at Strutt and Parker, said:- "The Government is committed to meeting a net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050 and its ability to reduce emissions from land use will be reliant on the actions of land managers. This is why it is so important to understand how farmers and landowners are feeling about changes in policy and what motivates them. It is really positive that farmers and landowners are increasingly focused on making a positive environmental impact, seeing it as a key part of their stewardship of a farm or estate. However, the survey also indicates that there is a lack of confidence within the sector about the implementation of ELMS and highlights there are some actions, particularly those which require permanent land use changes, where landowners may be less willing to get involved. We hope that Defra can address this as they refine their plans for ELMS over the coming months."

Liverpool City Region business leaders call on Chancellor to provide more support for firms and sole traders struggling with 2nd lockdown

THE Liverpool City Region Business Group has written to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, calling for more funding to support local businesses hurting as a result of the second national lockdown imposed to combat the spread of Covid19. Within the letter, sent from representatives of the:- Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors, Women's Organisation, Liverpool BID Company, Professional Liverpool, local Chambers of Commerce, Downtown Liverpool in Business and others, welcomes the support pledged so far, but argues that more is needed to help struggling businesses and avert an economic catastrophe.

FSB North West Regional Chairman, Chris Manka, said:- "We welcome the Government's restoration of furlough at 80%, but to help businesses plan ahead we need to know what will happen post 2 December 2020. Many small business owners, unable to trade effectively or at all, are struggling greatly with spiralling overheads; including rent and utilities costs, so continuing closures and other restrictions risk pushing them over the edge. The most recent support grants are also welcome, but they are considerably reduced compared to those provided in the summer and there are real concerns they will not be enough. We need more substantial business support for everyone affected now and post lockdown in order to stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth."

Businesses are being very cautious and are not confident about future turnover or profitability. They are also a lot shorter on cash or more indebted, if they secured CBILS or the Bounce Back Loans, which limits their investment levels now. Further, while the Chancellor has extended bounce back loan application deadlines and allowed for top ups, too many are still struggling to make applications as lenders keep their doors closed to new customers.

More than 6 months since the start of the Pandemic, there are categories of business that have received no direct support at all. They include suppliers who have lost the significant part of their revenue as a result of local restrictions, such as food distribution firms who supply to hospitality venues, those serving wedding venues and sports stadiums and taxi drivers serving the night time economy. With assistance primarily delivered via rate payer grants, businesses without commercial premises, or in units paying combined rent and rates, have missed out significantly, as have start ups launched since April 2019 because they have been unable to submit an 18 to 19 tax return for SEISS.

Chris Manka said:- "These businesses owners are vulnerable and increasingly desperate. They urgently need a support package. Confidence levels are plunging, exacerbated by uncertainty around looming EU transition, new trading relationships and potential problems with future imports and their supply chain."

Michael Sandys, FSB Area Leader for Liverpool City Region, said:- "As business and entrepreneurs in the North we have been challenged to 'level up' the economy, but we need adequate support to be able to do this. In fact, the imposition of a new national lockdown and related nationwide support leaves Liverpool City Region businesses worse off than they would have been under 'Tier 3,' leaving a 'High Risk' Region with the same support as many Tier 1 areas, where clearly the need is greater here. Communication is of the utmost importance. Our organisations have reported numerous instances where members are confused about their eligibility for support, or seeking guidance on applying. There are concerning reports that some applications do not include adequate evidence required. It is essential that the Government now takes the lead in providing clear, concise information and guidance on how the support announced so far will work; for both our businesses in Liverpool City Region and hard pressed Local Authorities tasked with putting in place mechanisms to distribute the funding; and in explaining what the restrictions mean for businesses and customers, including what they are allowed to do."

In summary, the Liverpool City Region Business Group's key asks of the Government are:-

1. Provide immediate assistance to SME Owner / Directors, to the parity of the self employment scheme, who have received no direct support to date, many of which have had their cases raised by the Liverpool City Region Business Group and its constituent organisations, among others. It is not acceptable to leave these businesses behind in this national crisis.

2. Introduce a 2nd wave of SME grants of ₤10k and ₤25k; with businesses already struggling as a result of the 1st national lockdown, the s2nd could have dire consequences for their future. The need for this support is greater than before.

3. Help businesses struggling with overheads, such as:- rent bills and utilities costs, working with bigger landlords and, for example, introducing a rent support scheme.

4. Urgently review business rates relief. It is not right that huge supermarket chains have benefited when they have had record sales and long period of a captive market.

5. Ease employers' National Insurance bills, looking at measures such as a holiday of at least 6 months to stimulate growth, increasing the Employment Allowance threshold so more businesses can benefit or a straight cut to NI.

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 20,252 cases and the total number now stand at:- 1,473,508 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

THE total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:- 511, within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 54,286, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 63,873.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 16,444. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 1,426 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,737.

In England, there are a total of:- 1,267,276 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 288,943 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-

National UK Lockdown

LOCKDOWN

Liverpool City Region

► Liverpool, 23,275 confirmed cases.
122

► Halton, 4,415 confirmed cases.
37

► Knowsley, 7,552 confirmed cases. 45

► Sefton, 10,092 confirmed cases.
57

► St. Helens, 7,211 confirmed cases.
57

► Wirral, 9,642 confirmed cases.

64

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to100 100 over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 9,031 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 4,892 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 14,097 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 9,105 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 8,271 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 8,422 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 44,124 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 29,472 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 13,910 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 6,741 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 11,738 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 12,741 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 9,874 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 9,866 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 8,307 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 7,780 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 15,439 confirmed cases.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

The latest UK R number is estimated at:- 1 to 1.1 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- +0% to +2%.