Statement from the Leader of Sheffield City Council
Sheffield City Council has confirmed a comprehensive response to the current
coronavirus pandemic including the following:
- The council will keep our vital services running, even if they have to be
delivered in different ways. We will continue, as always, to prioritise the
most vulnerable people in the city
- No council tenant will lose their home because they are affected by
COVID-19
- Pledge to work with business community to help Sheffield companies
access government support outlined yesterday
- The council will support and mobilise the community spirit of Sheffield to support each other through the crisis, working with the voluntary sector
Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:
“I know this is a period of great fear and uncertainty for people across our city, and I want to reassure you of all the measures that are being taken by Sheffield City Council to ensure we protect people and keep the city functioning as well as we can over the coming weeks and months.
“First and foremost, we lead the public health work in the city. I would like to extend my personal thanks to council and NHS staff for all the work they have been doing to keep people across the city as safe as possible. Their hard work and dedication means we are now in the best position we can be to respond to this disease.
“It is also important to be clear we will keep our vital services running, even if they have to be delivered in different ways. We will continue, as always, to prioritise the most vulnerable people in the city. Maintaining good adult and children’s social care is our top priority, and we are putting all necessary resources behind this.
“We recognise the situation is moving very quickly and that the national guidance will continue to change and evolve over time. We have an important role to play in supporting colleagues and partners across the voluntary, community and business sectors through the changes, working together to keep the city functioning for the benefit of the people who live, work and learn here.
“Following the announcement by government yesterday about support for businesses, we will do everything we can locally to ensure they are able to access the support available. There has been an announcement of help and support for tenants in the past couple of hours and I can also confirm that as part of this council’s commitment to supporting our tenants through difficult times, no council tenant will lose their home because of COVID-19.
“As and when we have to make any changes to other services, to enable us to focus resources where they are needed most, we will communicate clearly with you in advance about this. The Sheffield Newsroom site will always be kept up to date with the latest information.
“We are here to support and care for you through this, and I know you will support and care for each other.
“This is an unprecedented situation in our city’s history, and at this stage it would be irresponsible of me to suggest I know how this will play out for us.
"What I do know, though, is that Sheffield people have resilience, a sense of community and just the right combination of the kindness and practicality that will get us through the challenges ahead in the best shape we can be.”
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