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The UK Government‘s announcement of cutting VAT for the tourism and hospitality industry has been welcomed by ������Ƶapp Council. VAT in the hospitality and tourism sectors on food, accommodation and attractions will be temporarily cut (15th July 2020 to 12th January 2021) from 20% to 5% as part of the Government’s three phased economic response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Employers in ������Ƶapp are being reminded that a work permit is required for all young people aged between 14 and 16 who work part-time while still at school. ������Ƶapp Council is committed to the protection of children in employment, and has a number of byelaws which state the rules and regulations governing the employment of children – one of which is a valid work permit. The work permit is free of charge and must be signed by the head teacher from the young person’s school, as well as a parental guardian and employer.

Did you know that ������Ƶapp Council’s website not only contains lots of useful information for residents, businesses and visitors; it also offers a huge range of online services that make connecting with the council quick and convenient. By logging on to the website you can now make secure online payments at any time of the day or night using the online “Pay It” service for:  Council Tax, School meals Parking tickets Non domestic rates

Over the next week, and in line with national guidance, transport in ������Ƶapp will start to operate more normally. North Pier Pontoons Transit berth facilities at Oban North Pier are now open. Details on the facilities available will be found on the website and physical distancing measures will apply. Ferry services

Some local businesses may struggle to open when social distancing is still a requirement.  To help this situation, a number of public realm sites, across ������Ƶapp, will be made available on a temporary basis to established businesses, free of charge, in a bid to help open up the area’s economy quickly and safely.

“Post COVID-19, we should support our local businesses as they have supported us during the pandemic.” Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Economic Growth, is calling for residents to shop local at every opportunity and make the most of locally sourced produce to help kick-start the local economy.

At this critical stage in the Scottish Government’s roadmap to further ease restrictions, it’s important that communities and visitors work together to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 and a return to lockdown. That is why ������Ƶapp Council is urging visitors in caravans, motorhomes and campervans to make use of official campsites, to help support the local economy as well as protect their own health and the health of local communities.

A new £1.57 billion package of emergency grants and loans for the arts has been announced by the UK Government with an estimated share of £97M for Scotland. Under the new scheme, organisations from the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic places, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to apply for emergency grants and loans.

As it continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, ������Ƶapp Council is highlighting the importance of council tax in delivering council services, and thanks the vast majority of residents, who continue to pay their tax, for playing their part in keeping vital services going. The council is also highlighting that help is available in some circumstances if you are having difficulty paying your council tax. Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Strategic Finance, said:

������Ƶapp Child Protection Committee (ABCPC) is urging families and communities to find out how to help children and young people stay safe on-line.  This messages comes on the back of increased concerns from Police Scotland about online child abuse crimes.  As children and young people spend more time online there is an increase in the chances they will see something which isn't intended for them, be targeted by cyberbullies or on-line criminal offenders.