Here’s a summary of other updates from the Government, this time regarding MOTs, filing accounts and NHS volunteer responders
- Vehicle owners will be granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing, enabling them to continue to travel to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home, or shop for necessities. This means all cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MOT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30 March 2020. Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work.
- From today (25 March 2020), businesses will be able to apply for a 3-month extension for filing their accounts. Under normal circumstances, companies that file accounts late are issued with an automatic penalty. As part of agreed measures, while companies will still have to apply for the 3-month extension to be granted, those citing issues around COVID-19 will be automatically and immediately granted an extension. Applications can be made through a fast-tracked online system which will take just 15 minutes to complete. More information as to how to apply can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-more-time-to-file-your-companys-accounts
- NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak. To do this they need an ‘army’ of volunteers who can support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well. Doctors, nurses and other professionals will be able to refer people in to NHS Volunteer Responders and be confident that they have been matched with a reliable, named volunteer. This programme enables volunteers to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, which is permitted under the new rules announced by the Government on 23rd March 2020. Volunteers must be 18 or over, and fit and well with no symptoms. Those in higher-risk groups (including those over 70, those who are pregnant or with underlying medical conditions) will be able to offer support by telephone. The majority of tasks can be undertaken while social distancing and volunteers will receive guidance through our ‘getting started pack’. If you do become ill you can pause your volunteering. Visit https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS to register. As I understand the response so far has been massive which is fantastic.
