Following the Prime Minister's address on Monday 4 January
announcing the new national lockdown, the Prime Minister gave a
statement to Parliament on 6 January on
the coronavirus regulations in England and provided an update on
the rollout of vaccinations.
An explanatory memorandum on the new
regulations and updated guidance is available on the
Government website.
Moving home
People can still move home, whether they are renting or buying
but people outside their household or support bubble should not
help with moving house unless absolutely necessary. Estate and
letting agents and removals firms can continue to work. If people
are looking to move, they can go to property viewings. Allocations
of social homes can continue, as can all lettings in social
housing. Guidance for landlords and residents will be further
updated shortly and MHCLG will provide more information on the
ongoing protections for renters.
Households are encouraged to follow the national guidance on
moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing,
letting fresh air in, and wearing a face covering. The full
updated Government advice on home moving is available on the Government website.
Business closures and repair services
Certain businesses and venues are permitted to stay open,
following COVID-19 secure guidelines, such as businesses providing
essential goods and services. Businesses providing repair services
may also stay open, where they primarily offer repair services.
This means that landlords can continue to provide repair services,
and this includes safety inspections.
Canteens in extra-care housing can also remain open for the
consumption of food by certain residents where it is reasonably
necessary for safeguarding that person's physical or mental
health.
Essential services including construction
Where people cannot work from home - including, but not limited
to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, including
construction and manufacturing - they should continue to travel to
their workplace.
Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access
schools or educational settings
The Government on 5 January updated the list of critical workers
(key workers) and vulnerable children and young people who can
access full-time education provision during the coronavirus
outbreak. Critical workers include parents whose work is critical
to the coronavirus and the EU transition response, those who work
in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined in the
guidance. Children with at least one parent or carer who is a
critical worker can continue to go to school or college if
required.
Business support
The Chancellor has also announced further support for
businesses. He announced one-off top up grants for
retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per
property to help businesses through to the spring. A further £594
million is also being made available for councils and the Devolved
Administrations to support other businesses not eligible for the
grants, that might be affected by the restrictions.
Shielding
Shielding guidance is being reintroduced for the Clinically
Extremely Vulnerable, and guidance will be updated. In the
meantime, those affected are asked to refer to the current Tier 4 guidance. Those in Tier 4 will
have already received a letter when their area moved into Tier 4,
these are still valid up till 18 January and by this time, they
should have received a new letter.
Eviction ban
The current ban on evictions over the Christmas
period is due to end on 11 January 2021. The Prime Minister in
response to questions in the House of Commons stated that the
eviction ban is "under review" but no further announcements had
been made as at 7 January.
Every Mind Matters campaign and tackling
loneliness
The new national lockdown may leave some people feeling lonely
or isolated as social activities and contact with family and
friends are restricted. The "Every Mind Matters" campaign, developed
by the NHS, has a range of support products which councils may find
useful to share with their networks.