District News: Latest Covid information, vaccination programme, holiday opening times + more

 

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Uttlesford remains in Tier 2 The government has confirmed that Uttlesford will remain a Tier 2 area (High Alert) as part of the Covid-19 restrictions. Under current guidance, anyone living in a Tier 2 area must: Not mix with other households indoors Only meet people outdoors in groups of six or less Work from home if possible Reduce the number of journeys they make  This is in addition to washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and staying at least two metres apart from other people – or one metre with a face covering or other precautions. ► See full details of what you can and cannot do in a Tier 2 area From 23 to 27 December, there are different Christmas rules for meeting friends and family. ► See message from Cllr John Lodge, Leader of Uttlesford District Council Latest Covid data for Essex Essex residents are being residents to continue following Covid guidelines as the latest rate for the county has risen to 305.3 per 100,000 – a 79 per cent increase over the last seven days. Nearly every area of Essex has seen a significant increase in the rate of Covid, with the total number of cases rising to 4,547 in the seven days up to 10 December. Cases are very high in specific age groups, with the rates for people over 60 now standing at 140 per 100,000 – an increase of 37% in the past week. The 11-18 age group has also seen an especially steep and rapid rise, with the rate now standing at 457 per 100,000. ► Read the latest Covid press release from Essex County Council ► See the week's Covid data for Essex Vaccination programme GP-led local vaccination centres are beginning to open their doors in the district, with Stansted Surgery being one of the first to administer the vaccination.  To protect those who are the most at risk first, the vaccine is initially being offered in the community to people aged over 80. Getting the vaccine to all those in the priority groups will take a number of months. We can all play our part to assist the vaccination programme by: waiting to be contacted by the NHS – you will be invited to an appointment when it is your turn. Remember the NHS will never ask you to pay for a Covid-19 vaccination attending both of your booked appointments continuing to follow all the guidance to control the spread of the virus and save lives – this means hand-washing thoroughly and regularly, wearing a face covering in line with guidance and maintaining social distancing ► Find out more about the vaccine and how it works from Public Health England Holiday opening times and out of hours ► Check Uttlesford District Council opening and closing times over the Christmas and New Year period. This includes details of the out of hours service which is for repairs to council properties and emergencies only. Changes to Christmas bin collections in Uttlesford Residents are advised that Uttlesford District Council will not be collecting any bins next week (w/c 21 December). For the week following Christmas (w/c 28 December), we will be collecting the green-lidded recycling bin and food caddy. Collections on 29, 30 and 31 December will take place as normal. But collections which would have normally taken place on New Year's Day will take place a day later (Saturday 2 January 2021). Collections of the black-lidded bin will resume from 5 January. ► Find out when to put your bins out over Christmas and what to recycle The revised schedule has the benefit of enabling our hard-working collection crews to take a well-deserved break for Christmas. ► Read our press release New funding to cut fuel bills and help tackle climate change A government grant has been awarded to Essex County Council and seven of the county's city, district and borough councils – including Uttlesford District Council – to install insulation and energy efficient heating in Essex homes. The new funding will see even more people who are unable to heat their homes properly get help to keep their homes warm this winter. ► Find out more including how to check if you are eligible for the grant Your local high street delivered Click it Local continues to go from strength to strength with 60 independent retailers now on board, including some of our best-loved stores in Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow. Delivery is available across the whole of Uttlesford, Cambridge, Ely and Haverhill. Click it Local gift vouchers are also available – so if you are stuck for a last minute present idea this could be the perfect way to continue supporting our local shops in January!   Homepage  |  Contact us  | Unsubscribe All  |  Subscriber Preferences |  Privacy Policies

 

District News: IMPORTANT Essex coronavirus update

 

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. IMPORTANT Essex coronavirus update In a move to slow the current rates of infection across our county, from Saturday, Essex will be placed into the high level of restrictions (tier 2 on the new COVID system). What does this mean? No household mixing indoors – this includes at home or in hospitality venues Different households can meet outdoors in public spaces but must stick to the 'Rule of six' 10pm curfews will remain in place for all pubs and restaurants Remember hands, face and space Reduce travel where you can If we act now, we can stop the spread and protect our loved ones as we head into the winter months. ► Get detailed information on the new guidelines ► Read about the request to move to the high COVID alert level and the data that informed the decision ► You can also read 20 questions about moving to the high COVID alert level Community Response Hub The Uttlesford Community Response Hub continues to help people in the community who need it, particularly those who are finding themselves having to return to self-isolation. The number 03333 408 218 is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Alternatively, email:  communityresponse@uttlesford.gov.uk. NHS COVID-19 App Downloading the NHS COVID-19 App is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from the virus.  Based on an Apple/Google privacy framework, the app has a number of tools designed to help protect those we love, like contact tracing, checking into venues through an in-built QR code scanner, risk alerts by postcode, a symptom checker and test booking. The more people use the app, the more we can keep each other safe and stop infection rates rising.  ► Find out more There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other: HANDS – keep washing your hands regularly FACE – wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces SPACE – stay at least 2 metres apart, or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days. ► Get latest NHS advice   Homepage  |  Contact us  | Unsubscribe All  |  Subscriber Preferences |  Privacy Policies

 

Press release - Residents urged to get in touch if they can't pay Council Tax

13 October 2020

Residents urged to get in touch if they can’t pay Council Tax

Residents who are struggling to pay their Council Tax are being urged to get in touch with Uttlesford District Council to discuss their circumstances.

Each year the council sends out more than 35,000 bills in order to collect Council Tax. This money is then distributed to other authorities to help pay for vital services.

Residents who have not yet paid or have struggled to make their payments will shortly receive a reminder that payment is due.

About 3,000 reminders will be sent out in the next few days. These will request households to either bring their accounts up to date or get in contact with the council to discuss alternative payment arrangements or what support is available to help residents avoid building up a level of debt that is unsustainable. Details of where to go for other financial support will also be provided.

Cllr Neil Hargreaves, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Budget, said: “We know the last few months will have hit many households hard and that people’s financial circumstances may have changed as a result of the pandemic. It is important these households make contact with us as soon as possible.

“For those who are struggling to pay their bills, we have teams on hand to provide assistance and advice on alternative payment options as well as ensuring residents get all the financial help they are entitled to.”

If you are suffering exceptional hardship due to the impact of coronavirus or another change in your circumstances, are concerned about your repayments or you require more information, please contact the council’s Customer Service Centre via uconnect@uttlesford.gov.uk or by calling 01799 510510.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to an independent party, contact Uttlesford Citizens Advice on 01799 618840.

 

ENDS

NOTES

·         For more details on this media release please contact the Communications Team on 01799 510442 or media@uttlesford.gov.uk

·         Follow us on Twitter @Uttlesford DC

·         You can also follow our Business Development Team @UDCBusiness, our Communities Team @UDCCommunities, and our jobs feed @UDCJobs

·         The Chair of the council is on Twitter and can be found @UDCChair

·         Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook/UttlesfordDC

 

District News: Essex-wide coronavirus update, Community Response Hub details, Test and Trace Support Payments + more

 

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Essex-wide coronavirus update Cases of coronavirus in Essex are now increasing rapidly. To flatten the curve of infection before it puts strain on our hospitals and economy, Essex leaders have asked that the county moves into the new 'High level' of restrictions as soon as practicable. We worked so hard to slow the spread earlier this year and now we must work together again. ► Get more information Community Response Hub The Uttlesford Community Response Hub continues to help people in the community who need it, particularly those who are finding themselves having to return to self-isolation. The number 03333 408 218 is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Alternatively, email:  communityresponse@uttlesford.gov.uk. Coronavirus Test and Trace Support Payments If you are told to self-isolate, you cannot work from home and you have lost income as a result, you may be eligible for a new £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. The government has set up a test and trace support payment scheme of £500 to support eligible low paid workers whose earnings are affected by staying at home and isolating for 14 days. If you have started to self-isolate anytime from 28 September you can apply using our online form. Applications must be made within 14 days of a self-isolation period ending. ► Get more information and apply If a person does not meet the eligibility criteria for the main scheme, they may be able to claim as part of the council's discretionary scheme instead. Please refer to the website for further details. Residents urged to get in touch if they can't pay Council Tax If you are suffering exceptional hardship due to the impact of coronavirus or another change in your circumstances, are concerned about your repayments or you require more information, please get in touch with us. Our teams are on hand to provide assistance and advice on alternative payment options as well as ensuring residents get all the financial help they are entitled to. Contact the council's Customer Service Centre via uconnect@uttlesford.gov.uk or by calling 01799 510510. Protect your loved ones. Get the app. Downloading the NHS COVID-19 App is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from the virus.  Based on an Apple/Google privacy framework, the app has a number of tools designed to help protect those we love, like contact tracing, checking into venues through an in-built QR code scanner, risk alerts by postcode, a symptom checker and test booking. The more people use the app, the more we can keep each other safe and stop infection rates rising.  ► Find out more There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other: HANDS – keep washing your hands regularly FACE – wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces SPACE – stay at least 2 metres apart, or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days. ► Get latest NHS advice

 

 

Latest news from Uttlesford District Council: Face coverings, leisure centres set to reopen + more

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Face coverings protect others From today (24 July) you must to wear a face covering by law in the following settings: shops supermarkets indoor shopping centres public transport banks, building societies, and post offices  transport hubs (such as airports, stations and terminals) Face coverings will not be mandatory for anyone under the age of 11, those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments. ► Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own ► Latest message from Cllr John Lodge, Leader of Uttlesford District Council Leisure centres set to reopen With the lifting of lockdown restrictions, there will be a phased reopening of the three leisure centres in the district. Great Dunmow Leisure Centre and Lord Butler Leisure Centre will be reopening on Monday 27 July on reduced opening hours. Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre will be reopening on reduced opening hours on Monday 10 August. A phased reopening is planned for services in the centres over the next few months. For further details, please check the 1Life page for each centre: Lord Butler Leisure Centre Great Dunmow Leisure Centre Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre Shop local, shop safe Please support our retailers by shopping local and safely – maintain social distancing at all times, wear a face covering, and follow the signage that is in place to protect you and others. ► Advice for shoppers – how to stay safe while out shopping, where to park and getting further updates as new businesses open up ► Advice for businesses – which businesses can open, when you can open and how to work safely. Survey: have your say on temporary road closures in Saffron Walden The Saffron Walden Business Improvement District is asking for people's views on the closure of the Market Square to traffic during the pandemic. There are only a few questions so it should not take long to complete. ► Take part in the survey Thinking of starting a food business from your home? Please remember that you must register your business at least 28 days before you start trading. Food premises registration is a legal requirement, and failure to do so could result in legal proceedings. There is no fee for registration. You can register online or print a registration form on our website. Libraries update A further seven libraries are now open, including Thaxted. Please note, the number of customers allowed in a library at any one time will be reduced to help people stay safe. Time spent in the library will also be limited. You can find out more information about our safety measures or watch a video on what to expect. Cut your energy costs The Essex Energy Switch, a countywide initiative designed to help residents reduce their gas and electricity bills, saved an average of £258 for each of the 1,644 households who took part when the scheme ran earlier this year. In October the cycle starts again, when energy companies will once again bid at an auction to see who can offer the lowest energy tariff to households who have signed up. You can register any time from 4 August until 5 October. ► Find out more It's competition time! Love Essex is giving away a plastic-free picnic hamper to one lucky winner that has signed the Essex Plastic Pledge this month. If you haven't already signed up, click here and take the pledge! The competition closes at midnight on 31 July – T&Cs apply. Summer Holiday activity camp Essex Boys And Girls Clubs will be running an activity camp for 5 to 13 year olds in Uttlesford every day (Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm) of the summer holidays. The programme will take place in three locations: Monday and Tuesday at Newport Youth Club Wednesday and Thursday at Thaxted Youth Club Friday at Sampfords Youth Club The day consist of a range of fun activities and lunch. For more information, email Rebecca on rebeccas@essexboysandgirlsclubs.org. ► Book a place Click & Collect activity packs Saffron Walden Museum's next click and collect activity pack "Romans going Potty!" is now available to buy online. This week become a museum conservator and rebuild a Roman pot from a real pot sherd, make a mosaic and a Roman coin stamp. ► Book yours online Pack collection is from Wednesday 29 July. Email cpratt@uttlesford.gov.uk to arrange your collection. Looking after your mental health It is important that we all take a little extra care to look after our mental health. With many feeling worried, anxious or isolated during these challenging times, Every Mind Matters highlights that there are lots of things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and help others to prevent any concerns they have from becoming serious issues. Protect yourself and others Handwashing plays a key role in protecting yourself and others from coronavirus. Wash your hands more often Use soap and water for 20 seconds Or use hand sanitiser ► How to wash your hands Stay alert to stay safe We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must: stay at home as much as possible work from home if you can limit contact with other people keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible) wash your hands regularly Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms. ► FAQs: what you can and cannot ► Latest NHS advice For information on Uttlesford District Council services, go to: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/coronavirus   Homepage  |  Contact us  | Unsubscribe All  |  Subscriber Preferences |  Privacy Policies