North Swindon MP’s Welcomes Council’s Response To Covid-19
The Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Cllr David Renard recently outlined a series of local measures to help residents in respects of the coronavirus pandemic response in Swindon. These measures a backed promoted by local MP, Justin Tomlinson, who has been proactive assisting residents who are affected by Covid-19 since the outbreak started.
Swindon Borough Council have announced 11 measures; ranging from providing council tax and emergency financial help to residents, to relaxing parking restrictions.
The Council will be using the Government’s £500m hardship fund, which will provide council tax relief to vulnerable households. Efforts are also being made to financially support Swindon’s small to medium sized businesses affected by the pandemic.
Justin Tomlinson said: “I am pleased to see this announcement from Swindon Borough Council today. These measures will ensure the most vulnerable are getting the support they require during this outbreak.”
Residents and businesses can find out more information about the package of support measures by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/coronavirus
The full list of the 11 measures are below:
- Compassionate Swindon: volunteer support for those who most need it
• Over 500 Swindon residents have signed-up for volunteering opportunities, including speaking to someone over the phone to offer some companionship or collecting shopping for those who are staying at home
- Council tax relief to vulnerable people and households to help those affected most by coronavirus
• Council tax bills of working age people receiving Local Council Tax Support will be reduced for 2020/21
- Emergency financial assistance for residents most affected by coronavirus
• The Council’s Emergency Assistance fund will support residents that have been severely affected by coronavirus causing them hardship
- Supporting Council housing tenants
• Tenants affected by coronavirus are encouraged to contact the Council to discuss their circumstances:
• Support is available for those who fall behind on rent payments and the Council will not pursue tenants for rent arrears.
• Avoid evictions as long as tenants follow the advice and support from housing officers
- More parking options for key workers and residents making essential journeys
• Council parking tickets won’t be issued to those not usually allowed to use on-street residential, shared use, permit parking bays and limited waiting bays
• Parking tickets only issued to cars parked dangerously, on yellow lines and in disabled bays that shouldn’t be
• Car parks opened up for residents with parking permits to use
- Helping residents access library services online
• All books will be automatically renewed until libraries are reopened
• All library memberships due to expire before the end of June will be automatically renewed for 6 months
• eBook, eAudiobook and eMagazine available
- Extending bus pass use for older and disabled people
• These residents can use their bus passes before 9.30am
- Priority re-booking and waiving fees for marriages postponed due to coronavirus
• Priority re-booking for weddings postponed at the Civic Offices
• Charges waived for Notice appointments for postponed marriages
- Supplying vital financial support to businesses
• 100% business rate relief will be available for all retail, leisure and hospitality businesses for 2020-21
• A £10,000 grant to small businesses with a rateable value of less than £15,000
• A £25,000 grant to all retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value between £15,000-£50,999
- Supporting non-for profit and commercial tenants in council properties • Extra protection so businesses unable to pay their rent because of coronavirus don't have to worry about being evicted
• 3-month rent deferral to commercial and not for profit tenants
- Support for Swindon’s taxi drivers
• Extended Hackney and Private Hire driver licences with no charge for six months.
• Alternatively, drivers may wish to apply for a one-year licence at £70 instead of the usual three-year licences (£210).
