Coronavirus update (COVID-19) update.
Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) are working as part of the Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum on all issues relating to the evolving situation. This forum includes all blue light services, the NHS, other councils and the voluntary sector. More details here https://www.bedfordshireprepared.org.uk/
Also if you can help out, or need help contact the Stondon Good Neighbours Scheme who can be found on FB (@stondongoodneighors).
SCHOOLS – will currently remain open to reduce economic impact and workforce availability. However, the government may bring in measures that are more stringent and CBC are planning for this if it happens. Government advice to schools, at present, is to consider how they can deliver education virtually. Some schools are more advanced with this than others and CBC are encouraging schools to share their knowledge. CBC will be discontinuing group activities at children’s centres for the foreseeable future. One to one support services for families will remain unaffected.
HIGHWAYS are prioritising essential work as the workforce may potentially be reduced e.g. non-essential work such as dropped kerb requests will be suspended.
WASTE SERVICES CBC are working with their primary contractor to ensure WASTE SERVICES can continue, even with a reduced workforce.
HOUSING The CBC HOUSING team will be prioritising essential repairs . If they are working inside someone’s home they will try to reduce person-to-person contact. Group recreational activities in housing and Independent Living Schemes will be reduced.
VULNERABLE GROUPS – CBC are currently working to understand the needs of VULNERABLE GROUPS such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, in our community. Including those receiving social care and self funders.
Concerned? – Residents should call the CBC contact centre 0300 300 8301 and will be directed to a point of contact at CBC. The system will be refined and improved and more information provided by the end of the week.
VOLUNTEERING – In these difficult times many wonderful residents have expressed an interest in VOLUNTEERING to help others, particularly the most vulnerable who are isolating for 12 weeks.
Residents are encouraged to register with the Emergency Planning Volunteer organisation ‘BELVEC’ – https://www.bedfordshireprepared.org.uk/become-an-emergenc…/
Community of Voluntary Organisations in Bedfordshire – https://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/
Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity – https://bedsrcc.org.uk/
Community Action Bedfordshire – https://www.cabeds.org.uk/
Also please remember you can help out, or request help via the Stondon Good Neighbours Scheme who can be found on FB (@stondongoodneighors).
The government has today announced a range of FINANCIAL SUPPORT for businesses including rate relief and grants. The CBC business team are currently exploring the details and working out how best to deploy these resources.
Businesses who qualify for rate relief should not make the first tranche of payments requested in their recent bills.
CBC already operates a hardship fund for those struggling to pay their council tax and this scheme may be extended as more resources are made available to the council. More on that as things continue to change. https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/…/extra_help_and_a…/3