COVID-19 Update
Last updated: 27/03/20, 9:00
The health and wellbeing of our members, colleagues and the wider community remains our top priority in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Following recent updates from government, and as a public health precaution, Elmhurst Energy has taken the decision to cancel all training on a rolling four week basis. All external meetings will also be held remotely until further notice. Elmhurst is the largest EPC accreditation business in the UK and we have the size, resources and processes in place to ensure that members can continue working, fully supported by our technical support teams and largely unaffected by the current restrictions necessary to protect staff and the community from COVID-19.
We will continue to support our members at this difficult time. Please do keep well and do not take risks.
Following our conversations with members and other external organisations, we have created a list of FAQs which we think may be useful for all:
Should I be assessing properties?
The Government's guidance is clear “people should stay at home” and “travel to work only where this is absolutely necessary”.
If you deem that the work is ‘absolutely necessary’ then you can do so as long as you undertake a full risk assessment and take precautions such as assessing your own health and well-being, washing hands regularly and adhering to the government's guidance with regards to social distancing and shielding. If possible arrange to work in vacant premises.
Ultimately the decision is yours, but we would urge you to read the most up to date advice and guidance provided by government. If in doubt, don’t go out.
The advice provided above aligns with the government's most recent guidance for Surveyors/Energy Assessors, which was outlined within the government's guidance document for 'housing moving during the COVID-19 outbreak'. You can read this guidance in full here.
When completing an EPC for an existing building, do I still need to complete a site visit?
Yes. An EPC for an existing building can only be lodged after an onsite visit and this continues to be part of the Scheme Operating Requirements (SOR) and Framework documents set out by government. Under established rules there is some small dispensation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for domestic properties that are very similar, which is likely to be used for social housing providers; the full rules and details can be found in the ‘CLG Sampling Guidance doc, in the My Documents section of Access Elmhurst.
Do I need to continue to submit evidence for any audit requests I receive?
Yes. You should continue to submit evidence for all audit requests, however if you are unable to respond to a request by the due date (due to self-isolation or other mitigating circumstances), then please let the support team know at the earliest opportunity and we will do what we can to make alternative arrangements. We will endeavour to be as pragmatic as possible.
What will happen to any training or CPD courses that I have booked onto?
Elmhurst will be cancelling all training on a rolling four week basis and has offered to either postpone the course, or refund any money paid. The Training Department is working hard to put in place further online training and webinars to support our members.
Should you have any queries about training please email: training@elmhurstenergy.co.uk
Online Tutorials are also available to purchase here.
Will there be any changes made to billing?
Elmhurst will maintain its normal billing and credit control processes meaning that those who pay by direct debit get 45 days to pay. If you have temporary difficulties in paying your bill you should contact us at the earliest opportunity and we should be able to make arrangements to help you through this difficult period.
What is the best way to contact Elmhurst?
Can I get any financial support for my business?
Government is responding to the crisis with wide ranging support for businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Financial Support available to members may include;
- Self-employment Income Support Scheme (NEW)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme
- Coronavirus job retention scheme
- deferring VAT and Income Tax payments
- a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs
- a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England
- small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
- grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
- the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank
- a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans
- the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme
16, St Johns Business Park, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4HB
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