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<p>Government has introduced a number of support measures to support the tourism and
outdoor events sector through COVID-19, which travelling fairground businesses can
access. We introduced a substantial, UK-wide cut in VAT for many tourism and hospitality
activities, including admission to circuses and fairs, until the end of March.</p><p>In
response to the current national restrictions, the Chancellor has confirmed how the
government will support businesses and individuals during this period - including
through the extension of various government-backed loans and the extended furlough
and self-employed support schemes.</p><p>Further to this, the Additional Restrictions
Grant discretionary fund will allow Local Authorities to help businesses more broadly.
It supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes, such as the Local
Restrictions Support Grant, or where additional funding is needed.</p><p>From 2 December,
as set out in the COVID Winter Plan we will return to a tiered approach to COVID-19
restrictions in England. Funfairs and fairgrounds - which will be permitted to reopen
in all three tiers as they were prior to this period of national restrictions - will
need to go through the normal process of requesting permission and any relevant licences
from the relevant authority and have the relevant health and safety protocols in place,
including a Covid-19 risk assessment. Local Authorities are responsible for deciding
whether to permit outdoor events in their area. Decisions should be made on a case-by-case
basis, with consideration given to both the risks and the mitigations in place.</p><p>In
the government's Covid-19 Secure guidance for the Visitor Economy, we have provided
guidance for Local Authorities on how to assess applications for outdoor events and
how Local Authorities should support event organisers to hold outdoor events safely.
We will continue to work closely with Local Authorities and the sector to get outdoor
events running safely and successfully once they are permitted.</p>
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