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Dear resident
We hope you’re safe and keeping well.
An update on Leeds’ infection rates
The latest figure is slightly down to 229.5 from 230.7 yesterday (17% reduction in last 7 days) and the positivity rate is down at 9.7% from 9.8% yesterday.
It is still essential that we do all we can to stop the spread of the virus. The new UK variant accounts for at least three-quarters of cases in Leeds and it spreads faster. More than ever we need everyone to play their part and work together to reduce transmission.
The best way to keep yourself and others safe is by acting as though you have the virus.
Whether the new UK variant or the original virus, we tackle it the same way. This includes staying at home as much as possible, handwashing, maintaining distance and wearing a mask – even after you have had the vaccination.
Business Grants update
The Discretionary Grant fund to help businesses impacted by the latest Covid-19 restrictions will re-open this Thursday 4 February. This is for businesses with low fixed costs trading or registered before 1 January 2018 in retail, hospitality, leisure, childcare and associated supply chains. Businesses from other sectors registered after 1 January 2018 can also apply.
Businesses will be considered for support if they have not already been in receipt of Government Covid grant support - defined as Self Employment Income Support, or any Covid-19 business support grant fund administered by Leeds City Council since March 2020.
Grants will be £500 (for a sole trader) or £1000 (for a business with two or more employees).
By the end of February we will also reopen the discretionary grant for businesses with fixed property costs of £4,000 or more per year.
Details will be posted on our website https://bit.ly/LeedsGrants.
For more information please go to (https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/grant-schemes-reopen-as-leeds-city-council-continues-covid-19-support-for-businesses )
Children’s Mental Health Week (1 to 7 February)
With the ongoing challenges and difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is more important than ever. This year’s theme is to express yourself, by finding ways to share feelings, thoughts, or ideas, through creativity. No child should have to face mental health problems on their own. In Leeds, there are a wide range of advice and support for young people who are struggling. This includes Mindmate (mental health and emotional wellbeing advice and information), Teen Connect and Safe Zone (emotional telephone support for 11 to 18-year-olds), Kooth (free online counselling for ten to 18-year-olds) and BigDeal (gambling information and support. Parents can get information around gambling and gaming to support their children and family here).
Budget consultation
Over 2,500 people recently took part in a public consultation on budget proposals for future council services. Like all local councils Leeds is focusing on making savings to deal with the impact of Covid-19 and reduced Government funding.
59 per cent of people agreed with an increase in council tax.
If you’re one of the 324,000 people in Leeds who receive a paper council tax bill, help free up money to be spent on other council services and reduce our city’s carbon footprint by signing up to paperless council tax billing.
You’ll just need a copy of your council tax account number which can be found on your most recent bill. Sign up to paperless council tax billing on our webpage. You can also sign up to pay your council tax bill by direct debit here.
Leeds Apprenticeship Festival
Due to the Covid pandemic the Leeds Apprenticeship Festival is going online this year with over 75 employers attending, all with apprenticeship vacancies. The pandemic has been hard on opportunities for young people for employment and many have been placed out of work due to Covid, the apprenticeship fair can help. Check out the event at https://leedsapprenticeshipfestival.co.uk/ to see what apprenticeship opportunities are available.
Book your place at https://leedsapprenticeshipfestival.co.uk/tickets
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