26 March: The second of two blogs from Brian Jukes on the Government Support Announcements, this focussing on Support for Individuals
Income Tax
The 2nd payment on account of tax that is due by 31 July 2020 will be deferred until 31 January 2021. Self-employed taxpayers are eligible for this deferment. There is no need to apply for this offer to apply.
No penalties or interest for late payment will apply during this deferral period.
Statutory Sick Pay
Individuals will be eligible for SSP for the first day of absence if the absence is Covid-19 related. The individual will need to visit https://111.nhs.uk/ in order to obtain an isolation note in line with advice issued from Friday 20 March.
They will still be entitled to the normal maximum of 28 weeks in any 3-year period with the same employer, however, there is no need to wait for 3 working days before they would be eligible where Covid-19 applies.
The self-employed will be eligible to make a claim for Universal Credit or new style Employment and Support Allowance. Self-employed people will receive a rate equivalent to SSP.
Mortgage and rent holiday
Tenants, as well as mortgage borrowers, can apply for a 3 month payment holiday. Interest will continue to be charged on any amount that they owe.
The government has announced that the intention is that no one can be evicted from their home over the next 3 months where this applies.
