Updated guidance on vehicle rental status

The Government has updated the guidance on businesses that must remain closed, clarifying that ‘vehicle rental services’ are exempt. The Cabinet Office has confirmed that car, van, minibus and truck rental are all exempt where members are working with essential workers, goods and services.

Customer forbearance and liquidity in the motor finance sector

The BVRLA is working with the FLA and HM Treasury to ensure that the Government can provide appropriate support for the motor finance sector as it faces a big rise in requests for payment holidays, early terminations and other adjustments to their leasing contracts. We will keep members updated when we have more news to share, but if you would like to speak to someone at the BVRLA in the meantime, please contact Amanda Brandon.

Penalty Charge Notices and Fines

We are working with a number of stakeholders to try and alleviate concerns around the administration and payment of PCNs and fines during the lockdown period.

• Dart Charge has confirmed that late representations will be acceptable and are piloting an electronic solution. Further details will be available soon.
• Transport for London – has confirmed that the Congestion Charge, Low Emission Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone are suspended. If you would like a spreadsheet of penalties issued within the last two weeks, please contact Amanda Brandon.
• London Councils – has asked boroughs to take a flexible approach to enforcement.
• Private parking – we are working with the British Parking Association to encourage its members to accept electronic communication and a more flexible approach to enforcement.

Coronavirus Bill and what it will do

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has identified that to effectively manage a coronavirus outbreak in the UK, we need to introduce new fast-tracked legislation. The Coronavirus Act 2020 has now become law and is available on legislation.gov. Details have been published explaining what the Coronavirus Bill will do.

Business support grant funding

The new guidance on business support grant funding sets out details of eligibility and delivery of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).

Revised Business rates guidance

Guidance has been updated to ensure that certain properties previously excluded from the relief, but that have been forced to close as a result of imposed restrictions, will now be eligible for the relief.

Commercial insurance

Most commercial insurance policies are unlikely to cover pandemics or unspec! ified notifiable diseases, such as COVID-19. However, those businesses which have an insurance policy that covers government ordered closure and pandemics or government ordered closure and unspecified notifiable disease should be able to make a claim, subject to the terms and conditions of their policy.

Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are encouraged to check the terms and conditions of their specific policy and contact their providers. Further information is available.

Protection from eviction for commercial tenants

Commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction. Further details are now available.

Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp

The Government has launched a free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp. To use it simply add 07860 064422 to your phone contacts and message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.