Guidance For Transport Operators Updated - The Government has updated the guidance for transport operators on what they can do to keep customers and staff safe from coronavirus now that restrictions have been removed.
ONS Data On Financial Impact For Business Rate Fund Applications - In December the Government launched a £1.5bn Business Rates Fund to be distributed by Local Authorities to those businesses most impacted by Covid but not eligible for the Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief. In order to help applications by tourism businesses not eligible for the Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief such as tour operators, travel agents, coach operators, conference organisers and support businesses, English Language Schools and Guides, the Tourism Alliance has been working with ONS to produce financial impact data for these businesses using the same methodology used in Business Rates Fund guidance for councils.
This data has now been published and shows that:
- 8.2% of all businesses in the UK are suffering from a revenue decline of 50%+
- 12.2% of all hospitality and tourism business are suffering from a revenue decline of 50%+
- 16.2% of businesses in the coaching, language school and events support sectors are suffering a revenue decline of 50%+
- 66.9% of tour operators, travel agents and guiding services are suffering a revenue decline of 50%+
These findings are a very clear case for councils to prioritise the allocation of Business Rates Funding to these businesses.