Stratford-on-Avon District Council COVID-19 daily update - 6 April

During the Covid-19 Pandemic Stratford-on-Avon District Council will issue a daily update (from Monday to Friday) for residents and businesses.

Key updates - 6 April 

• Business rate grants
  Over 1,000 business grant applications have been received.
  
  The first payments totalling £4.6m awarded to 291 businesses across Stratford District will be paid on Tuesday 7 April.
  
  More applications are being processed as quickly as possible. We have received a significant amount of applications from businesses that are already held on the non-domestic rates valuation list. This is essential qualifying criteria under the current Government legislation for these grants. Therefore those properties on the valuation list will be given priority. Any property not on the list will need further investigation to establish eligibility - this is likely to result in delay in paying some of those accounts.
  
  We have to follow the guidelines laid down by government, and, unfortunately these keep changing which hinders our ability to act.

  Businesses are being asked to complete the on-line application to qualify for the grants - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/online-forms/business-rates-grant-form.cfm

  Please note: To protect business from fraudsters the District Council will not be asking for bank details over the phone, we will be directing them to completing the online form.

  Also please do not disclosure your Business Rates Account number to anyone.

  There is also a useful FAQ now on the website - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/business-investment/business-rates-grant-faqs.cfm

  If you have any further enquiries please email: BRG@stratford-dc.gov.uk

• Community Hub
  53 deliveries have been made from Stratford's Community Hub to those self-isolating and the most vulnerable in the district.
  
  
• Thank you to our Refuse and Recycling crews #HiVisHeros
  Biffa have put together a compilation video of all the thanks they have been receiving across the county, including from one from Stratford District, as they continue to provide a vital service - https://youtu.be/fVR3d3-0ewA
  
  
• Help for the extremely vulnerable
  The council and partners are offering extra help for those identified as extremely vulnerable who have no access to food and support. People in this group should call 0800 4081447 or go to: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirusextremelyvulnerable for more information.

  If you have been asked to 'shield' yourself from coronavirus by isolating for 12 weeks Warwickshire is here for you. If you have no local support call the dedicated helpline on 0800 4081447. For all other enquiries please continue to go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk or call 01926 410410.

• Emergency accommodation
  The emergency protocol has now been triggered across the district in relation to COVID-19 and emergency accommodation is being offered to those sleeping rough. If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough please call 01789 267575.
  
  The District Council and its partners have been working hard to ensure that any rough sleepers on the streets have been offered emergency housing. We were aware of five rough sleepers on the streets. Over many months these individuals had all been engaged with by the District Council and P3 street outreach team but unfortunately had previously declined offers of accommodation. Three of the five have taken up the District Council's offer of accommodation and are now in emergency housing. Of the remaining two, one has been booked into emergency accommodation and street outreach workers are trying to engage with them to persuade them to take up the accommodation offer. The final one has not been found at usual locations and it is possible they have arranged their own accommodation. However should they be located by street outreach or get in contact with the Council, emergency accommodation will be provided for them. The District Council is grateful for the assistance of all partner agencies, including P3, and all of the accommodation providers.

• Community Support Groups
  Many local groups have set up across the district to support people in their community who may be struggling to get food or medicine and lots of Town & Parish Councils are also offering support.

  Warwickshire County Council, with help from the District Council has compiled a directory providing useful information about local organisations, groups and agencies that are providing activities, advice, and services during the current COVID-19 crisis - https://apps.warwickshire.gov.uk/api/documents/WCCC-966-2079

• Help with Council Tax
  We do completely understand the pressure many households now find themselves under and urge residents to contact the District Council as soon as possible.
  Please remember, if you're struggling with payments there are a number of discounts or reductions you may be eligible for.

  Please visit the help and advice pages on the District Council's website - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/council-tax/help-and-advice-for-council-tax-debt.cfm

  If you require further assistance please email: revenues@stratford-dc.gov.uk and they will look at all the options available, including rescheduling payments, to suit your needs.

• Main reception at Elizabeth House closed to the public
  You can still contact the District Council by phone on 01789 267575, although the phone lines are very busy, alternatively email: info@stratford-dc.gov.uk or access services online at www.stratford.gov.ukor visit our Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information and advice.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: ""It is good news that we have paid £4.6 million to 291 businesses. Staff are working hard to ensure another payment is made before the Easter bank holidays. Teams across the council are working very hard in these unusual and challenging times. I would reiterate that we do not make the rules, we just have to work within them."