Ready, steady, file...! 100 days left to Self Assess...

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers that there are just 100 days left to complete their Tax Return ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2021. Each year, around 11 million customers complete a Self Assessment Tax Return. Customers can complete their 2019-20 Tax Return at any time up to the deadline but HMRC recommends completing it early to allow customers time to pay their Tax Bill or set up a payment plan. The majority of Self Assessment customers choose to complete their Tax Return online, which provides an immediate calculation of any Tax owed. Customers completing a paper Tax Return have until 31 October 2020 to send their completed form to HMRC.

Customers must complete a Self Assessment return if:-

►  They’ve earned more than ₤2,500 from renting out property.

►  They’ve received, or their partner has received, Child Benefit and either of them had an annual income of more than ₤50,000.

►  They’ve received more than ₤2,500 in other untaxed income, for example from tips or commission.

►  They are a self employed sole trader whose annual turnover is over ₤1,000.

►  They are an employee claiming expenses in excess of ₤2,500.

►  They have an annual income of over ₤100,000.

►  They have earned income from abroad that they need to pay tax on.

HMRC’s Interim Director General of Customer Services Karl Khan said:- “The vast majority of Self Assessment customers complete their Tax Return by the 31 January 2021 deadline, but you don’t need to wait until January; you can send it back now and get it out of the way. HMRC is determined to help customers during this difficult time. We know many customers will have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, or will need help to spread the cost of their tax bill. That’s why we’ve made it quick and simple to set up a payment plan to spread the costs and help people get back on their feet. It’s easy to do online and there’s no need to call us to set it up.”

Once Self Assessment customers have completed their 2019-20 Tax Return, and know how much tax is owed, they can set up their own payment plan to help spread the cost of their tax liabilities, up to the value of ₤30,000. They can use the self serve Time to Pay facility to set up monthly direct debits and this can all be done online so there is no need to phone HMRC.  Customers can visit:- Gov.UK to find out more about the service and if they are eligible. Be aware of copycat HMRC websites and phishing scams. Always type in the full online address:- Gov.UK/HMRC to get the correct link for filing your Self Assessment return online securely and free of charge. And be alert if someone calls, emails or texts claiming to be from HMRC, saying that you can claim financial help, are due a tax refund or owe tax. It might be a scam. Check:- Gov.UK for information on how to a recognise genuine HMRC contact.

Merseyside rejoices as gyms reopen across the Region

THE UK Government's U-turn on the decision to close gyms across Merseyside has been met with much delight amongst the Region's health clubs and members of the public alike, who have fought to keep the Region's fitness facilities operational during the pandemic.

Since the beginning of lockdown, the fitness industry has been focused on proving its value in the fight against Covid19, the effects of which are significantly lessened through a healthy and active lifestyle, and the reopening of gyms is a long overdue recognition of the importance of the sector in this difficult time.

The North's leading mid-market health club, Total Fitness, is reopening its 2 Merseyside based gyms, on Saturday, located in Prenton and Aintree.

Having spent months preparing for the safe reopening of the gyms on 25 July 2020, the re-closure of the brand's Merseyside gyms, on 14 October 2020, was a heavy blow to both staff and members, for many of whom attending the gym wasn't simply a means to exercise physically, but also provided community and a place to recuperate mentally.

Despite the Government's initial fears that health clubs may be contributing to the spread of the virus, members of the public do not seem to share this concern. Between 25 July and 13 October 2020, Total Fitness reported 1,350 new members joining its Prenton club and an average of 1,450 visits per day.

Following the implementation of Covid Secure measures across Total Fitness' gyms and indeed the UK's entire fitness industry, the fitness sector claims to be 1 of the lowest risk settings for virus.

Stephen Boyle, General Manager of Total Fitness Prenton, comments:- "I know I speak on behalf of staff and members when I say that we really are delighted to be reopening the clubs. We've had emails from members saying how happy they are to be able to return, how safe they feel in our clubs; and the staff can't wait to get back into work and deliver the amazing service we pride ourselves on. When the Government announced health clubs and gyms in Liverpool would be made to close, the feeling amongst staff and members was disbelief and very much disappointment. Everyone who sets foot in our clubs knows exactly how safe it is here at Total Fitness because we all work together to keep the space safe every day, members included. So to be labelled in a way as part of the problem was a huge disappointment. We do genuinely change people's lives here; the clubs are more than just a livelihood for staff and a means to work out for our members. They are a huge part of people's lives; we have a fantastic sense of community, it is very much one big family here. Our operation means a lot to people and our services go much deeper than surface level."

Earlier in the year, as part of its extensive Covid19 reopening plan, Total Fitness clubs underwent redesigns to the health club interiors, ensuring all machines and equipment were apportioned at least two metres apart to adhere to Government guidelines.

The clubs have stringent hygiene standards and cleaning measures in place for the safety of members and staff; something which the clubs have been praised for by members.

Total Fitness is the leading mid market health club in the North and provides more ways to get fit, stay in shape, and more support to keep members focused.

With 17 health clubs across the North of England and Wales, Total Fitness provides a full service fitness offering; guided by knowledgeable and supportive fitness teams, the brand works hard to meet the individual needs of its members.

For more information, please visit:- TotalFitness.Co.UK.

Sefton School Meals

AHEAD of Sefton delivering free School Meals to families who need them during half term, we have written the following statement. Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member, Communities and Housing said:- "Sefton Council are putting in place a scheme to support children and their families accessing free School Meals in the borough during this half term. We will be sharing more information on how to access the scheme as soon as possible. We will also continue to provide additional funding and support to our local voluntary sector partners, including the local food banks who are well stocked to enable them to help some of Sefton's hardest hit families during these difficult times. Our family wellbeing centres in Talbot Street (Southport), Marie Clarke (Bootle) and Netherton also remain open to families who need their support during half-term. We have also increased the funding available to our Emergency Limited Assistance Scheme, and would encourage anyone in Sefton who may need extra support at this time to contact the Council on:- 03451400845."

NHS services are still here for you when you need it

PEOPLE in Sefton are being reminded that NHS services are still there for those who need them, despite the new Government tier 3 restrictions in place for the area due to the increased number of Coronavirus (Covid19) cases. Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said:- "It's important that people know that during the pandemic, GP surgeries across Sefton are still here for you if you have concerns about your physical or mental health. Before turning up to your GP practice, contact them online, through the NHS App or by phone to be assessed. There are still face to face appointments available, and you will be offered 1 if necessary. Alternatively call your nearest walk-in centre or urgent care centre if you have a minor illness or injury like sprains and strains; broken bones; minor burns and scalds; head injuries; cuts, bruising and grazes. If you're not sure where is best to turn, NHS 111 is available 24/7 online and by phone. In the case of a serious or life threatening illness or injury, please don't hesitate to call:- 999."

The NHS website is a 1 stop shop for advice about hundreds of health conditions, a symptom checker and details of GPs, Walk In Centres and Pharmacies in your local area. In some cases, you may be able to self care for your ailment so it's a good idea to keep your medicine cabinet and first aid kit stocked up with all the essentials. Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG said:- "We know that it will be hard during half term, but it's really important that we all play our part by following the restrictions which have been put in place to protect us and our community from the spread of Coronavirus. Remember if you have any Coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste; you must self isolate at home and get tested as soon as possible. Get a test online at:- GOV.UK/Get-Coronavirus-Test or by calling 119. Medical advice about symptoms are available at:- NHS.UK/Covid19, or by calling NHS 111 if you can't get help online."

Protect your loved ones by downloading the official NHS Covid19 contact tracing app for England and Wales; Covid19 Test and Trace app.

Grant for cab drivers approved

LIVERPOOL City Council is to give a grant to thousands of hard pressed cab drivers struggling as a result of the Covid19 pandemic. The City's 3,886 licensed drivers rely on the previously booming hospitality, events and tourism sector for a lot of their income, and were hit hard earlier this year when it dried up overnight due to the lockdown.

On Wednesday, 14 October 2020, pubs and bars in the City Region closed again as Liverpool entered tier-3 Coronavirus restrictions to try and curb the steep rise in cases over the last few weeks, meaning they are again without much of their trade.

A report approved by the Council's Cabinet, on Friday, 23 October 2020, will see Hackney and Private Hire vehicle drivers given a grant equivalent to the ₤40 cost of their driver badge, plus a further ₤170 for their vehicle plate if they own the cab; a total of up to ₤210.

The cost; ₤663,400; will be covered through the ₤10 million set aside by the Council earlier this month to help alleviate the impact of Covid19 trading restrictions in the visitor economy.

Detail on how the grant will be made available will be publicised in the coming days.

Cab Numbers in Liverpool:-

►  1426 - Hackney carriages.

►  1882 – Hackney carriage drivers.

►  1561 - Private Hire vehicles.

►  2004 - Private Hire drivers.

(NB:- some vehicles are used by more than 1 driver)

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:- "I know how incredibly difficult this year has been for taxi drivers, with the lockdown from March and the new restrictions that have recently been placed on Liverpool City Region. It is particularly tough for them at the moment because; as I have been saying repeatedly over the last few weeks; the support package made available by the Government is simply not good enough. The taxi trade is a valued part of the City's economy, particularly as they are among the 1st people that visitors to our City come into contact with. So this is our way of doing what we can to assist them during these unprecedented times. I would also urge people to use local taxi drivers and firms where they can, to help support the trade through this tough period."

Tommy McIntyre from the union UNITE, which represents many drivers in Liverpool, added:- "We are grateful to the support being shown to the trade by the City Council. We are concerned that if there is no support to help the trade, we may not have a trade when we come out of this latest lockdown period. It is not just the financial wellbeing of our drivers that is at stake, but their mental health and the impact on their families."

Concessionary on fare funding being used to prop up private bus companies

AN emergency Government measure forcing Councils to fund concessionary bus fares at pre-Covid19 travel levels; despite passenger numbers plummeting; means local taxpayers are keeping private bus companies afloat rather than paying for journeys, the Local Government Association warns today. Councils have a statutory duty to administer the concessionary bus travel scheme in England. The scheme provides older and disabled people with free off peak travel on all local bus services in England with Councils responsible for reimbursing bus operators for journeys made by those with a pass. However, since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Government has asked Councils to make these payments to bus providers based on pre-Covid19 concessionary travel levels. This is despite bus usage having dropped by 67% since March 2020. Many of those eligible for concessionary travel are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions which mean they have been encouraged not to travel on public transport since the outbreak.

The LGA is calling on the Department for Transport to end this emergency measure amid growing concerns by Councils about its sustainability and the impact it is having on Council budgets being stretched the limit by the costs of the pandemic. It says the link between concessionary payments and the number of journeys being made is:- "broken" with the scheme underfunded by Government by around ₤700 million a year before the pandemic. This has left Councils having to subsidise the scheme at the cost of other essential services.

Discretionary bus services; such as:- free peak travel, Community Transport Services, reduced fares and School Transport; have also had to be scaled back by Local Authorities across the country for them to top up the statutory national scheme from their discretionary budgets.

The way the concessionary travel scheme is funded by Whitehall has long been unfit for purpose and has not kept up with growing demand and cost. The LGA is calling for the Government to also use the Spending Review to fully fund the concessionary fare scheme to ease the pressure on stretched Council budgets and protect cherished bus services.

Cllr David Renard, LGA Transport spokesman, said:- "Councils want to work with the Government to improve and protect bus provision during the crisis and beyond but it is increasingly clear that it is unsustainable to ask Councils to continue to prop up local bus operators for a national scheme that is already underfunded. The free bus pass provides a vital service for our communities. It allows many vulnerable residents to go shopping, pick up medication, and attend doctors' appointments. Years of underfunding of the scheme has left Councils struggling to subsidise the scheme. This is now increasingly impossible amid pre-existing funding and demand pressures on local services, some of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Councils know how important buses are for their residents and local economies and are desperate to protect them. It is vital this scheme is properly funded so Councils can protect bus routes and reinvest in local networks."

Total UK cases COVID19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region