Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
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Tier Two Restrictions for Worcestershire
Today, the Government announced Worcestershire will go into Tier Two category of restrictions, once the current lockdown finishes on December 2nd.
Worcestershire has worked very hard during the lockdown to reduce the number of cases of Covid-19 in the county.
We have seen some good progress, which has resulted in the county avoiding tier 3 restrictions. We now need to continue the good work and bring the number of
Covid-19 cases down further.
From Wednesday 2nd December, everyone in Worcestershire will need to observe Tier Two restrictions.
Tier Two restrictions include:
• you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
• you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.
• businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs.
• pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.
The full list of restrictions are available on the dedicated restrictions pages of the Government’s website.
These restrictions are considered necessary because the infection rate remains too high. The virus doesn’t stay in a single area but spreads where people are mixing. It is very important that we all now follow these new rules, to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases and stop the virus spreading further.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said:
“I would like to thank you all for your continued hard work in helping to stop the spread of Covid-19. During these recent restrictions, we have seen some positive signs that Covid-19 cases are starting to stabilise in the county.
The tier we will be in from December 2nd, will be reviewed every two weeks so it is important that we keep these figures heading in the right direction. Therefore, we need to continue to follow the measures in place to protect us all. We need to keep following the rules and keep building on the hard work we have done so far.
This is a real opportunity, to take control of the virus, get our figures down and reduce the risk of transmission, especially with Christmas around the corner.
It is up to us all now to keep going with the good work, by social distancing, by wearing a face covering, by washing our hands regularly and limiting our contacts.”
Councillor John Smith, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board added: “These new measures represent a renewed opportunity to get our numbers down even more. If we keep working together to follow the rules, we will keep the people of Worcestershire safe and reduce the transmission of the virus.”
Free festive parking offer to support local traders – Malvern Hills District Council car parks
Free parking will be on offer in Malvern Hills District Council car parks in the run up to Christmas Day.
From 1 to 24 December, visitors will be able to park for free after 3pm in any of the council’s pay and display car parks. The offer is open to all vehicles except HGVs and motor homes.
In previous years the council has provided free parking at weekends during December but has expanded the offer this time to offer extra support to traders affected by coronavirus restrictions.
Cllr Sarah Rouse, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We have been talking to traders and other stakeholders and decided to revise our free festive parking offer this year to provide additional support to traders during this challenging time, while balancing the financial pressure we are under as a result of the pandemic.
“Providing free parking after 3pm in the pre-Christmas December period is just one way we are supporting our traders during this challenging time.
“We’ll shortly be launching our Reassuringly Local campaign which will highlight why people should shop on their local high street with confidence. Even during the current lockdown, you can still support local traders by shopping with them online or taking advantage of their delivery or click and collect services. You can find more information on our website at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/town-centres.”
Cllr Neil Morton, Mayor of Malvern, added: “I am delighted the Town Council has been able to work with MHDC to secure free festive parking in Malvern. This has been an extraordinary and challenging year, with the Covid-19 pandemic affecting many businesses. Providing free parking after 3pm is a response to the request from local traders to help support them during these difficult times and I encourage residents to take advantage of this free parking scheme and to support traders by shopping locally.”
Ultrafast Broadband for Astley Burf
WE HAVE DONE IT.
More than 130% has been pledged, meaning that 85 premises will receive full fibre network in approximately 12 months.
Due to the fact that 130% has been pledged, Openreach requires no contract to be signed (they use the extra 30% as their risk mitigation).
The only requirement now will be to upgrade to a full fibre package when the network goes live – in approx.. 12 months.
I only have 6 contacts in your community, but 39 people pledged vouchers – so please could you share the good news with the rest of the community.
What happens next:
Your project will move into delivery and it will take Openreach approx.. 6 months to design and survey the infrastructure, and the build will likely start shortly after, with completion before Christmas 21.
Thank you for all your help!
Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
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Important changes to your bin collections
Important changes to your bin collections
 We are making some changes to the way we collect your waste and recycling.
To make sure we continue to operate a Covid-19 Secure workplace, and to keep our collection crews safe, we will be starting collections at staggered times from next week. This may mean your bin or sacks get collected slightly earlier or later than usual. This will affect both black bin/sack and green bin/cherry sack collections. It is also possible your bin/sacks may be collected slightly before 7am. If you can, please leave your bin/sacks out the night before your day of collection to make sure we do not miss you. Next week we will be collecting green bins/cherry sacks. View our 2020 collection calendar If you have any questions please email depotadmin@malvernhills.gov.uk |
Parish Council Meeting dates 2021
Parish Council Meeting dates 2021
February 10th 2021
March 24th 2021
April 21st 2021 (Annual Parish)
May 12th 2021 (Council meeting and AGM)
June 23rd 2021
August 11th 2021
September 22nd 2021
November 10th 2021
All meetings begin at 7:15PM
In order to comply with the Coronavirus Act 2020 meetings are being held remotely. Please contact Pam Perfect for joining details. Hopefully in the new year things start to return to normality.
Even in lockdown, if you have a symptom, you need to be tested.
England is under Government lockdown restrictions until December 2nd 2020.
This means we are all being asked to stay at home wherever possible.
It is though, very important that anyone with any symptoms of Covid-19, still gets a test.
Worcestershire has plenty of testing capacity for anyone who needs a Covid-19 test and it can be booked online.
The county has some new local test centres opening, which are also providing more local provision, and easier access to testing, for people who do not have a car.
Testing is available anyone with one or more of the coronavirus symptoms; a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. You should get a test even if you feel well and your symptoms are mild. Testing is also available for anyone who has been told officially to get a test.
To get an appointment at any of the testing sites in Worcestershire book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
Dr. Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire said: “In previous winters, we have all been used to struggling on with coughs and colds. However, this year we need to take notice of our symptoms, however mild you think they may be. Ask yourself, could this be a symptom of Covid-19.
“Spotting the signs of Covid-19 early will help limit the spread of the virus. As soon as you get even a mild symptom, you should self-isolate, keeping away from everyone and book a test.
“If you think you may have even one of the symptoms, there is no reason to hesitate in getting a test and being certain. Our testing capacity is now good in Worcestershire and you can go online and book a test. If your test is negative, you can carry on with your day to day life. If it’s positive, you should self-isolate and in doing so you will be helping to stop the spread of the virus.”
Guidance on Remembrance Sunday
The Government has published guidance on Remembrance Sunday. It states that the COVID Alert Levels, across all tiers, provide for a specific exception for Remembrance Sunday events for participants and spectators, provided appropriate precautions are undertaken by the event organiser. So local authorities in England can organise outdoor Remembrance Sunday events at a public war memorial or cenotaph, if they complete a COVID-19 risk assessment and take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the virus. They must also take into account the national guidance on outdoor events, including all cleaning and hygiene precautions. It also provides information on what activities can be involved, who can attend, test and trace requirements and communal worship
Self-isolation support payment
Self-isolation support payment
* Links from this post will redirect you to Malvern Hills District Council website
From Monday, 28 September 2020, you are required by law to self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
The Government has introduced a £500 support payment to help people on low incomes who have to self-isolate. The scheme will run until 31 January 2021 but is being kept under review by the Government. We are responsible for making the payments. Please read all of the information on this page before applying.
Do I qualify for this scheme?
To qualify for the payment, you will need to meet all of the criteria below:
- you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September, 2020
- you are employed or self-employed
- you cannot work from home and will lose money as a result
- you are claiming at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit
Who cannot apply for a payment?
You cannot apply for this scheme if:
- You do not have a valid notification from NHS Test and Trace
- You have been told to self-isolate before the 28 September, 2020. This applies even if your period of self-isolation overlaps this date
- You are self-isolating after returning from abroad (unless you have tested positive for Covid-19 and been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace)
- You can work from home while self-isolating
- You are not claiming one of the benefits listed. You may qualify for help from the local discretionary self-isolation support scheme.
What proof do I need to provide?
To prove you are eligible for the scheme, you will need to fill in the online application form on this page and provide the following information:
- a notification from NHS Test and Trace asking you to self-isolate (this will include a Unique ID number)
- a bank statement
- proof of employment, or, if you are self-employed, evidence of self-assessment returns, trading income and proof that your business delivers services which cannot be undertaken without social contact
Local discretionary self-isolation support scheme
If you meet all the other criteria for the self-isolation support payment, but you are not claiming one of the benefits listed and self-isolating will cause you severe financial hardship, then you may still qualify for help from the local discretionary self-isolation support scheme.
If you believe this applies to you, please fill in the application form on this page as normal, but when you get to question 16 about claiming benefits, click ‘none of these’. Carry on and complete and submit the form. We will then assess your circumstances and contact you with our decision.
Can other people I am living with make a claim?
If there are other people living in your household, then they can make their own application to the scheme, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can I claim on someone else’s behalf?
You can apply on someone else’s behalf, but the £500 must be paid into the bank account in the name of the person you are applying on behalf of. For example, if you are applying on behalf of a parent, the money must be paid into your parent’s bank account.
I have been asked to self-isolate more than once. Can I claim again?
If you are told to self-isolate more than once, you will be able to apply for the payment again, as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria and your periods of self-isolation do not overlap.
Can I claim if I have been furloughed?
You can claim the payment if you have been furloughed, as long as you meet all the other qualifying criteria.
How long do I have to claim?
You can make a claim up to 14 days after your self-isolation period ends, as long as it started on or after 28 September 2020.
Apply for a self-isolation support payment
Self-isolation support payment application
If you are unable to complete this form online, or need help completing it, then please call 01684 862413.
Privacy
Read the pdfself-isolation support payment privacy notice (107 KB) to find out how we will use your personal data to process your application.
Other financial support
If you are on a low income but do not qualify for a self-isolation support payment, or the local discretionary scheme, then you may be able to apply for Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit or another benefit.
Financial support if you cannot work because of Covid-19
Other help while you are self-isolating
If you need help while you are self-isolating, such as deliveries of food or medicine, then please fill in the Worcestershire Here 2 Help I need help form.