Stratford-on-Avon District Council COVID-19 update - 24 June

Key updates - 24 June

• Outdoor play areas and gyms to reopen
  
  All the District Council's outdoor play areas will reopen on Saturday 4 July, with the exception of the sand pit and paddling pool, at the Recreation Ground Play Area. The outdoor gym equipment at the Recreation Ground, Orrian Close and Stratford Skate Park will also reopen on the same day.
  
  
• The Big Wheel returns to Stratford-upon-Avon
  
  The Big Wheel will be returning to the Recreation Ground for the summer. Construction of the wheel will begin early next week for it to be ready for a 4 July opening. Our open spaces will play a significant part in the early stages of the Town and District's return to something approaching normal life. To support this the District Council is actively exploring other open air uses for residents and visitors alike that will offer COVID safe opportunities to enjoy Stratford-upon-Avon and support our local recovery
  
  
• Reopening Elizabeth House to the public
  
  The District Council's offices at Elizabeth House will reopen to the public on Monday 6 July. Work has been completed to make our reception area COVID-secure with social distancing measures, queuing and a one-way system with a separate entrance and exit in place for visitors.
  
  Numbers will be limited at any one time and the main reception will be open from 10am to 2pm during the week.
  
  The District Council has continued to provide services even though Elizabeth House has not been open to the public.
  
  If you don't want or need to visit the offices, help is still available from our customer services team on 01789 267575 and services can still be accessed online at www.stratford.gov.uk
  
  
• Discretionary Business Rates Grant Scheme
  
  Applications for the District Council's Discretionary Business Rates Grant scheme close at 5pm Friday 26 June and payments will be made week commencing 29 June.
  
  Eligible businesses need to complete the online application - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/coronavirus/discretionary-business-grant.cfm
  
  No decision will made about payments until after the deadline, so please do not call the team to ask if your application has been successful. 

• Council Tax Payments and Help
  
  In April, the Council temporarily suspended recovery action on Council Tax for three months, to help those who could be struggling to make payments.
  
  This arrangement has to cease at the end of June as the District Council has no legal power to permanently suspend the collection of Council Tax. We must continue to collect it in order to continue providing services to residents and businesses. From July those residents will need to make arrangements to pay their Council Tax.
  
  We are acutely aware that there will be people who will still struggle with payments and we want to help as far as we legally can.
  
  There are still a number of discounts or reductions you may be eligible for - we would urge people to make contact with us as soon as possible to discuss individual difficulties. There is more information, help and advice on the District Council's website - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/council-tax/help-and-advice-for-council-tax-debt.cfm
  
  If you do require further assistance please email: revenues@stratford-dc.gov.uk and they will look at all the options available to suit your needs.
  
  There is also a Council Tax helpline if you need to discuss further repayment arrangements please contact us on 01789 260990.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "The slow but steady return to a version of 'normality' continues. The changes are extremely welcome and will support a gradual recovery in the local economy."