COVID support packages coming to an end.

On September 30, a number of government support schemes designed to help businesses and individuals cope with the pandemic will end or change, including furlough and reduced SDLT rates in England.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The scheme’s final grant period ends on 30 September, after many extensions. This means that, as of 1 October, businesses must resume paying their employees their full salary. Employers that want to file a claim for September must do so by 14 October.

Self-Employed Income Support Scheme

The final grant period under SEISS covers from1 May to 30 September, and the online portal where claims can be submitted closes on 30 September.

Stamp duty land tax rates – England and NI

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) rates in England and Northern Ireland will revert to pre-COVID levels after 30 September.

After an initial “SDLT holiday” in which no charges were owed on the first £500,000 of a residential property’s valuation, rates were modified on July 1, 2021, lowering the zero-rate band to £250,000.

Rates from 1 October are as follows:

• 0% –  Up to £125,000
• 2% – £125,001 – £250,000
• 5% – £250,001 – £925,000
• 10% – £925,001 – £1.5m
• 12% – Above £1.5m

COVID Sick Pay Rebate

The claim period for the scheme ends on 30 September, and any outstanding claims must be submitted by 31 December 2021.

Reduced VAT rates for hospitality

On 1 October, the temporary reduced rate of VAT introduced to help the hospitality sector during the pandemic ends.

From 1 October, an increased reduced rate of 12.5% will apply until 31 March 2022, when the rate will revert to the standard VAT rate of 20%.

Universal credit uplift

The £20-per-week increase in universal credit that has been in place since the outbreak began is set to end at the end of September.