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This is a special edition of Residents' News |
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Coronavirus - how we're responding
This is a special edition of Residents’ News which we’re sending in response to the ongoing situation with the coronavirus Covid-19.
You won’t be surprised that the pandemic is likely to have an impact on the services we provide. We thought you’d appreciate an update on the current local situation
Overall, we are following the advice from government and Public Health England.
For the very latest information take a look at the government website or NHS 111.
The handwashing guidance remains the best way to reduce the spread of the virus.
We recognise that a lot of people across the district rely on the services we provide.
We are still open as usual and we continue to support residents and businesses, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community.
We have tested contingency plans and we are well placed to respond to what we expect to be a dynamic and changing situation.
We are also liaising with partner organisations such as North Yorkshire County Council, the emergency services, NHS and the voluntary sector to coordinate our responses.
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Our buildings
Our main buildings, such as civic centre in Harrogate are open as normal.
That also includes customer services, if you need to speak to someone face-to-face.
You can also call us on 01423 500600.
Our award-winning website is available 24/7 and if you’re signed up to a My Account you can manage things like council tax online.
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Waste and recycling collections
It’s business as usual when it comes to the collection of waste, recycling and garden waste (for those households subscribed to the service).
Please continue to put your bins/boxes/bags/sacks out on your usual day.
If you are a customer of our trade waste service, it’s operating as usual.
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Property services
We own and maintain over 3,000 homes across the district.
Our property services team is working as usual. Requests for repairs continue to be accepted and our staff are still out and about across the district.
If we are due to visit your property to carry out work, please don’t be offended if we ask you to confirm that you’re not at risk from coronavirus or if there is a vulnerable person in your household.
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Sheltered housing support service
Our independent living officers are working as usual at the moment and we have no immediate plans to restrict the support they offer to residents.
If a member of staff is due to visit, please don’t be offended if we ask you to confirm that you’re not at risk from coronavirus or if there is a vulnerable person in your household.
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Our leisure centres and swimming pools
Our five swimming pools, our leisure centres and all Brimhams gyms are currently open as usual. We’ve increased routine cleaning in response to the pandemic.
There are currently no plans to restrict access to these facilities unless national guidance changes.
Turkish Baths Harrogate is still open but we are not offering any facial treatments at this time.
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Knaresborough and Ripon markets
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These are going ahead as scheduled in Knaresborough today (18 March) and in Ripon on Thursday (19 March).
We will provide the usual market facilities, but we will respect the decision of any traders who choose not to take up their usual pitch.
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Museums and our art gallery
These are all open as normal. There are currently no plans to restrict access to these facilities unless national guidance changes.
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Public meetings
We’re reviewing these on a meeting-by-meeting basis. You are entitled by law to attend any committee or council meeting and we have no plans to restrict access.
If national guidance changes, we will review the situation.
Where a meeting has little, or no urgent, business, we may consider rescheduling it to a later date if it will not impact on decision making.
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Funeral services at Stonefall crematorium
Services are continuing as scheduled but we ask you to be mindful of the government’s advice about large gatherings of people.
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Support for businesses
If you run a business in the district, the current coronavirus situation is likely to be very concerning, especially if you are involved in the hospitality industry.
In the budget on Wednesday 11 March, the government announced a range of measures to support businesses affected by Covid-19.
They include business rate relief for certain types of businesses, help to cover the cost of providing statutory sick pay for staff, cash grants and a loan scheme.
Further measures to support the economy were announced last night (17 March).
The government has published the details on its website.
Online resources for businesses and employers
For the latest information and advice, employers and business owners are advised to take a look at the guidance for employers and businesses. Please check the page regularly for updates. You can also subscribe to receive email alerts.
The government is scaling up its business support helpline in light of the current situation. As a business owner you can speak directly to an advisor. The number to call is 0300 456 3565.
HMRC has also launched a tax helpline to help your business if you are concerned about paying any taxes due and Companies House has produced guidance if coronavirus means you need more time to file your accounts.
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