Campaign reply: Private and Mixed Practice Dentistry and COVID-19

I have been contacted by a number of dentists locally regarding Dentistry and COVID-19, highlighting concerns for private and mixed (delivering both NHS and private care) practices. NHS England have offered a wide range of support measures for NHS dentists, which includes the NHS-funded work of mixed practices. NHS dentists are also able to be redeployed to other roles within the NHS using their clinical experience and expertise, such as working within the new urgent dental treatment centres, also known as dental hubs, the 111 service and in hospital sites across the county. All NHS dentists are expected to continue to provide telephone assistance for any dental concerns and are able to prescribe painkillers and antibiotics as appropriate, or refer patients for urgent treatment at a local dental hub if it is required to ensure anyone in urgent need of dental care is able to access it.

For those working in private practices on PAYE arrangements, they should be able to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and furlough staff, ensuring staff can received 80% of their salary, up to a maximum of £2500 per month. For mixed practices, those on PAYE arrangements and unable to work for example due to the nature of their role not being possible to continue from home, they can be furloughed via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in proportion to their practice’s private activity, without endangering any NHS funding. For those self-employed, the Self Employed Income Support Scheme is available. One major advantage for the self-employed in the support offered to them is that they can continue to work and earn, where possible, whilst those on the employed scheme are not able to work if they are furloughed.

One of the issues highlighted in the campaign emails I have received is that many dentists are self-employed earning an average of £69,000 annually, which is above the £50,000 threshold for eligibility of the scheme. The concern highlighted is regarding their ability to pay bills such as mortgages through this crisis. I would highlight that there is a range of support from the banks for all individuals experiencing financial difficulty. For example, anyone concerned about paying their bills would be able to take advantage of the offer of mortgage holidays, a variety of different payment holidays on credit cards and loan repayments, transfers of credit card balances to 0% interest credit cards. Banks must also offer £500 fee-free overdrafts for anyone requesting them through this pandemic and many utility companies have payment options for anyone struggling to pay their bills through this challenging time. I would encourage them to discuss concerns with their bank as more support is being made available every day. There are also opportunities to move payment-free months of Council Tax, normally at the end of the financial year, to the beginning to ease cashflow for anyone struggling.

Additionally, many who are earning this amount are likely to have significant savings they can access. Where this is not the case, and they are experiencing severe financial hardship, they are able to claim Universal Credit (UC). For those whose who do have savings but these savings are set aside for their tax bill, this can be taken into account when determining eligibility for UC. It is also important to note that self-assessment tax payments have also been deferred until January 21.

In terms of the support available for practices, some practices will be eligible under insurance policies for interruption of business, although this will depend on the type of cover in place. There is also £10,000 extra cash grants which have been made available to some of the smallest businesses and I believe some dental practices with rate exemptions have already received these grants.

With regard to concerns about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, I am aware there were some initial difficulties for businesses seeking to secure these loans however this has been considerably enhanced by the chancellor following feedback from myself and other MPs. If you have applied with your lender before without receiving a helpful response or acceptable terms, I would urge you to reapply following his recent intervention. Additionally, a rejection from one lender does not prohibit you from applying with a different lender, who may take a different view on your application.  

I have discussed these issues directly with the Minister, who has assured me the government are working closely with the Chief Dental Officer, patient groups and the British Dental Association to ensure appropriate services are in place for all who need them. The government are also discussing with corporate and private providers how they may be able to support the NHS effort in areas of the country where current emergency dental provision is more limited so patients do not have to travel far for treatment.

There are additional avenues of financial support for anyone experiencing severe financial hardship, such as the hardship fund via Cornwall Council, and specifically for dentists and dental professionals is the British Dental Association (BDA) benevolent fund (https://www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk/). I have also produced blog posts with further details on the support available for:

• Individuals: http://stevedoubleforstaustellandnewquay.blogspot.com/2020/03/covid-benefits-council-tax-and-support.html
• Businesses and the Self-Employed: http://stevedoubleforstaustellandnewquay.blogspot.com/2020/03/covid-19-support-for-self-employed-and.html

The government is continuing to review the situation and if necessary, extend measures or implement further measures as underscored by the recent changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

I think it is also important to keep in mind that many of the schemes announced would normally take years to be drawn up are instead being produced in a matter of days and rolled out in just a few weeks in response to this crisis. They may of course be less than what we would perfectly want to see as a result and are the best compromise that can be found in the circumstances. The focus has of course been on the most vulnerable and those at high risk, and the government and civil servants have been working around the clock to design and implement all of these measures, whilst facing up to 30% reduction in staffing levels themselves.

I have fed back the experiences and concerns raised by dentists and dental professionals with me, both of mixed and private practices, when in discussions with colleagues in Westminster and would recommend following any further developments from the BDA, NHS England and the chancellor as well exhausting all available avenues currently available regarding financial assistance.

Campaign reply - “Extension of Transition Period.”

A number of constituents have sent me a copy on a campaign email entitled “Extension of Transition Period.”

I fear this latest attempt to reopen a debate that was resoundingly settled both at the referendum and at the last general election is deeply flawed and wrong.

As widely reported across the media today the government will not be asking for an extension to the deadline. I fully support this statement.

It is imperative that businesses and families have continued clarity on the timetable following the transition period and I welcome this confirmation.

Newspaper column 15 April 2020 - COVID-19 update 5

I hope everyone had a happy, peaceful and safe Easter weekend at home. Despite the incredibly nice weather, it was great to hear that our parks, beaches and roads were quiet – not something I never thought I’d catch myself saying.

I was pleased to see our local Police force taking decisive measures to stop people from out-of-county travelling down to Cornwall for the holidays. A roadblock was placed on the A30 with officers stopping vehicles and asking the purpose of people’s journeys – those who were not travelling for essential reasons were respectfully, but rightly, asked to turn around. Myself and my West Country MP colleagues had been calling for this kind of action after many concerned constituents got in touch with their accounts of holiday makers, second homeowners, and so-called celebrities, continuing to ignore explicit Government advice and come to Cornwall.

I want to thank Devon and Cornwall Police for taking these steps to protect Cornish lives. I also want to pay a tribute to those officers on the frontline, putting themselves at risk to keep us all safe. The best way we can all show our appreciation to them – and the incredible frontline health and Social Care workers across Cornwall – is by continuing to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

One of the biggest stories of last week was on course the news that the Prime Minster was taking into intensive care on Monday evening – after I had written my column for last week’s paper. Like many of you, I was pleased and relieved to see reports that his health was improving during the week. Now more than ever as a country we need his strong leadership at the heart of Government to see us through this crisis. Whilst it is important he now takes the time he needs to fully recover and follow the medical advice of his doctors, I am looking forward to seeing him back where he belongs, in No10 leading our fight against this virus, once he has fully recovered. He and his partner Carrie continue to receive my best wishes and prayers.

At the time of writing it is unclear when the lockdown will end. My hunch is that it will be extended for some time yet. We have always been taking a scientific, data-led approach to this crisis and it is only right that the lockdown ends when we know it is safe to do so. Ending it too early will only increase the risk of overloading our NHS services and place more people in danger. I know that many of you will be growing weary of being inside, away from friends and loved ones, and the routine of normal life, but if we do not stick to what the experts are telling us this crisis will only go on for longer, with more lives lost.

So as we enter our fourth week of staying at home please continue to think of our NHS and Social Care workers, Police Officers, council staff, teachers, supermarket staff and everyone working around the clock to keep all those in our community most vulnerable to this deadly virus safe. Show them your respect again this week, not just by clapping on Thursday, but by staying at home every day.

One of things I have been doing to continue to be available to constituents is hosting a Facebook Live Q&A – this is an opportunity for anyone to ask any questions they have about the situation we are in. The past two have attracted thousands of viewers and I have had lots of positive feedback. I will be hosting another session this Wednesday 15^th April at 7pm. Please just come to my Facebook page around that time if you want to join in.

Although working from home, all my office staff and I continue to be available to help in any way we can – whether that is providing advice, answering any questions or helping you access the help and support that is available. You can contact us on office@stevedouble.org.uk or 01726 829379. I have also been posting regular updates on my Facebook page: facebook.com/SteveDouble2015 or my website www.stevedouble.org.uk/covid19

Campaign reply - Road Haulage Association "Urgent Financial Support Needed for Road Hauliers"

Thank you to those constituents who have sent me a copy of  The Road Transport Association campaign email seeking further support for hauliers during the corona virus.

Road transport forms a vital part of the infrastructure of the UK and as never before we are relying on the key part played by this industry.

Haulage has always been a highly competitive business with a mix of results from different companies in terms of profitability. I know many have ceased trading over the years whilst others have run successful and profitable businesses. I understand that with the additional pressures caused by the medical crisis this adds considerably to the complexity and difficulties of running any business let alone a logistics company.

Some have been in touch to say part of the problem is there is now many occasions  where vehicles are not fully laden which is an obvious further burden on costings, efficiency and viability.

The government has in record time introduced a range of measures to assist businesses. The aim of the government  is that those that were viable before the medical crisis will be in a position to continue trading once it passes. The haulage industry presents unique circumstances and challenges and I will do all I can in making further representations to ministers to see what further help can be made.

Many will already be aware of the help the government is offering businesses in a multibillion £ effort with deferring taxes and VAT payments, rates relief, furlough wage provision and also the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. This has been considerably enhanced by the chancellor following feedback from myself and other MPs and even if you have applied with your lender before without receiving a helpful response or acceptable terms, I would urge you to reapply following his recent intervention.

Having been in business myself for many years I am acutely aware of the pressures that virtually all businesses are facing right now and whilst I will continue to petition for more help on your behalf. I also firmly support the provision made by the chancellor to date.

Newspaper column 8 April 2020 - COVID-19 update 4

As we enter the third week of the lockdown we are approach a crucial point in this national crisis. When the Prime Minister announced we would need to take these drastic measure to try to halt the spread of this virus and ultimately defeat it, he stated it would be for an initial period of three weeks and would then be reviewed.

In addition, it is predicted that we will reach the summit of this outbreak in the coming days. This will be a critical point in the evaluation of whether or not the measures taken, and the degree to which they have been adhered to, is working or if further steps need to be taken.

As there is a time lag of 2-3 weeks before the impact of any measures put in place shows in the number of infections and people presenting to hospitals with serious symptoms, it does make these decisions challenging. But as the Health Secretary stated at the weekend, if too many people do not follow the rules then the government will have to take further steps to fight this virus. The onus remains on each one of us to stick to the very clear and simple instructions we have been give – to stay at home as much as possible and only go out for the few exceptions allowed and make sure we are not physically interacting with people outside of our household in any way.

The more people stick to the rules the quicker we can get through this and start to see life return to some sort of normal. Those who break the rules or push the boundaries are not doing any of us any favours. I posted on my Social Media accounts at the weekend that there is no point in clapping for our carers on a Thursday evening if we then spend the weekend flouting the rules and hanging out with our friends. The best thing all of us can do right now to support the NHS and all those who are working on the frontline in health and social care is to stay home as much as we can.

The fact that we learned on Sunday evening that the Prime Minister had been taken to hospital, we are told as a precautionary measure, was I am sure a cause for concern for us all. It goes go to show just how unpredictable this virus can be. Many are simply getting mind symptoms and recover fully in just a few days. For others, as we are seeing, it becomes something very serious which requires major treatment in hospital and for some it is fatal. There is a wide spectrum between these and no one can be sure how it affects us if we contract it. We are told that the reason for Boris Johnson’s hospital visit was due to his symptoms not clearing up in the expected time frame. I am sure we all wish him well and a speedy recovery.

I also just want to say a few words about all those businesses, employers and self-employed people who have had to make some really tough choices in the past weeks. I do not under-estimate how difficult this time has been for many. I have spent a great deal of my time in the last two weeks seeking to provide advice and support for our local businesses and employees. The government has put in place a comprehensive package to provide support for the economy. But I do appreciate there remain a number of gaps for those who are not covered by the schemes in place. I am pleased that the government continue to keep all these measures under review and have already made a number of changes in recent days that will enable more people to access the support available. I will continue to be available to any in our constituency who need advice and help so please do get in touch if you think any team and I can be of assistance in any way.

Finally, sadly we continue to see far too many people coming to Cornwall either to stay in holiday accommodation or to come to their second homes. The Government has been clear that everyone should remain at the primary residence and not travel to places such as Cornwall for a holiday, sort break, or come to their 2^nd homes. Unfortunately some holiday accommodation providers are not helping with preventing this by continuing to make their properties available. I know this is something that greatly concerns many local people and I have continued to work with government ministers to push these companies to stop people from coming as well as get the message out loud and clear through the media. I am pleased that Cornwall Council are now also taking action to prevent firms letting their properties out to tourists and have set up an email address to report those breaking the rules - businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk If anyone is aware of holiday accommodation providers who are still taking booking please report them to this email address.

Stay safe, stay home and stay well.

COVID-19 support - Update on CBILS scheme

Following feedback from constituents I have made representations to the Treasury regarding financial support for local businesses. Some have reported a helpful response from their bank with fair terms and low interest rates but that has not always been the case. Many of you have been in touch citing refusals to help or unfavourable terms and conditions. Countless businesses (who are the backbone of our Cornish economy) and running successfully up until a few weeks ago, now have little or no work and no income causing an immediate cash flow crisis. They face all manner of other problems too, so they clearly need urgent help and a fair response from their bank or other lender. I have made this known at ministerial level.

The Chancellor has acted swiftly so that any previously viable business that has seen trade affected by the coronavirus fallout can now directly go to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) rather than having to apply for a standard commercial lending product from their bank.

The revised CBILS scheme can provide loans and credit up to £5m for smaller businesses affected by coronavirus. Business can access different types of finance products such as overdrafts, invoice finance, term loans, and asset finance facilities. There are other types of help for business and there is more information in the link below. The changes to CBILS will mean many smaller businesses can access funding. These changes are made with immediate effect. The changes can be in certain cases retrospectively applied to existing CBILS loans.

The requirement for personal guarantees for these loans that are below £250,000 have also been removed. This has been a major worry for many businesspeople who faced having to offer their home or other assets as security to get a loan in what are extraordinarily difficult and unknown times.

Lenders are now banned from requesting personal guarantees on loans under £250,000.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP has made it very clear where he stands on the help business needs and has said “We are making great progress on getting much-needed support out to businesses to help manage their cashflows during this difficult time – with millions of pounds of loans and finance being provided to hundreds of firms across the country. And now I am taking further action by extending our generous loan scheme so even more businesses can benefit. We have also listened to the concerns of some larger businesses affected by COVID-19 and are announcing new support so they can benefit too.
This is a national effort and we’ll continue to work with the financial services sector to ensure that the £330 billion of government support, through loans and guarantees, reaches as many businesses in need as possible.”

The Key points on changes to CBILS are:

·         All viable small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 can now benefit (rather than just those that couldn’t access commercial finance)

·         No personal guarantees for loans below £250,000

·         Personal guarantees for loans above £250,000 limited to the 20% of the loan which isn’t guaranteed by Government

·         Operational changes to speed up the processing of applications, particularly those for smaller loans

There is much more information on the significant changes made here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-strengthens-support-on-offer-for-business-as-first-government-backed-loans-reach-firms-in-need

More help and information can be found here:

For other business support, please go to: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/

I am grateful to all of you who have contacted me regarding your business. The feedback has been invaluable in making representations on your behalf. Apologies to those still waiting for a reply due to the huge number of emails, letters and calls received. I, along with my team will respond to you all in due course and I thank you in anticipation of your forbearance.

Column 1 April 2020 - COVID-19 Update 3

It is now over a week since the Prime Minister instructed the country into lockdown in our fight against Coronavirus.

For every single one of us this is a new experience – none of us have been through this situation before. It is affecting every single person in our country – every individual, household, community, business and public service. Life is very different from the open and free lifestyle we have all grown up with and have probably taken for granted.

It has been good to see the vast majority of people across mid-Cornwall following the instructions of the government and staying at home, apart from the exceptions allowed. As I have been out for my daily exercise walk it has been a slightly eerie experience to see the roads almost empty of traffic, shops, pubs and offices closed and only a few people out walking.

The fact that we have had to take such drastic measures in order to save lives - and ensure our NHS does not become overwhelmed by those falling seriously ill from this virus - should put into sharp focus for us all just how serious this is. I know there a few cynics around who still seem to think this is an over-reaction to something that most of us will only experience mild symptoms from. But we only have to look at the scenes from Italy to understand this is a fight for the lives of the elderly and vulnerable – our own parents and grandparents, and those who we know and love with underlying conditions, are the ones we are primarily doing this for.

How long we have to endure this phase is very much dependent one each one of us. If we all keep to the restrictions and play our part by minimising our trips from home and avoid all contact with those outside our household, then we stand a good chance of getting through this fairly quickly and seeing life begin to return to normal. But if too many people flout the rules, it will simply mean we all have to endure this for longer and quite likely see greater restrictions placed on us in the coming weeks.

So, I simply want to appeal to anyone who for some reason thinks these restrictions do not apply to them – stop being selfish! You are not only risking the lives of the people in your community; you are risking every one of us having to live under these conditions for longer than we need to.    

A great example of the spirit we all need was experienced last Thursday when at 8pm millions of people across the country went to their windows, doorways or gardens to clap for our carers. This was a simple act to show respect and appreciation to all those working on the frontline in the battle against Coronavirus – the doctors, nurses, ambulance crews and support staff in the NHS; those who care of the elderly and most vulnerable, the local pharmacists providing essential advice and medicines and all those going to work under vastly increased pressure and putting the wellbeing and safety of others above their own.

I will admit I found it all quite emotional. Not only as I thought about all those people I know who are serving in these ways, but also because there was such a sense of unity – both locally and nationally. Our communities coming together in a very simple act that contained so much meaning.

Who knows what the coming weeks and months will bring. Both individually and collectively I am sure many of us will experience great challenges, heartache and even hardship. I know it is an overused cliché but it is true – we will only get through this together. It is by playing our part and behaving responsibly towards our neighbours by following the restrictions. By looking out for the elderly and vulnerable among us. By volunteering and making ourselves available to others and a thousand different acts of kindness, great and small, that we will pull through the coming weeks.

More than at any time in almost all of our lifetimes, this is the time each of us needs to put the wellbeing of our neighbours, our county and our country first. It is a challenge our grandparents rose to previously. Now it is out turn. Let’s do this together. Let us all play our part in beating this horrible virus. Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives.