Winchester City Council Update

Winchester City Councillor Report - June 2020

1. Introduction
Winchester City Council’s principle focus at the moment remains on addressing issues arising from Coronavirus. As lockdown begins to ease, attention is increasingly turning to restoration and recovery. It is continuing to provide most of its services as normal, subject to social distancing requirements. The County Council hotline remains in operation - the number is 0333 370 4000. This is available from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm 7 days a week. Residents needing help should continue to use local support where they have contacts. Otherwise, they should call the helpline number.

2. Refuse collection and other waste issues
Waste and recycling collections are continuing for now on their usual cycle. Hampshire County Council has now re-opened its waste depots, subject to restrictions on use. Residents should for the time being assume that the queues and delays experienced as the sites came back into operation will continue and plan accordingly.

3. Restoration and Recovery Plan
An outline Restoration and Recovery Plan was adopted by Winchester City Council at its cabinet meeting on 21st May. This sets out objectives to assist recovery across the District from the impact of the pandemic and the lockdown. The plan will now be developed with specific actions to be identified and implemented. It will be looking to address challenges in three main areas - on the local economy, on local people and communities and on the Council’s own finances.

4. Business support
The Council are actively pursuing those businesses who it believes may be eligible for government grants for small businesses and for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. Eligible businesses can still apply for grants and are encouraged to do so. If in doubt, contact the Council on 01962 848288 or email businessrates@winchester.gov.uk.
Businesses can also call the Council’s Economy team on 01962 814 915.

5. Discretionary Grant Fund
Winchester City Council has been awarded an additional £1.4m by Government to help businesses and organisations impacted by COVID-19 and which have been ineligible for other grant funding opportunities.
Applications will be open from 9am 1 June 2020 until 9am 15 June 2020.
The new scheme is aimed at small businesses and charities with under 50 employees, that were trading on 11 March 2020, and can demonstrate a significant drop in income and significant ongoing fixed property-related costs. The full policy including what businesses might be eligible and details of the grant application process can be found at https://www.winchester.gov.uk/business/ discretionary-grant-fund.
In the event of queries, please email ecodev@winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 814915.

6. New Mayor of Winchester
Councillor Patrick Cunningham has been appointed as the 821st Mayor of Winchester at a Mayor Making Ceremony on 20th May 2020. This was the first time that Winchester’s Mayor has been appointed in a virtual ceremony. The Mayor’s chosen charities for the year ahead are Young Carers Winchester, Home-
Start Winchester and Youth Options. His official acceptance speech can be viewed at https://youtu.be/f6vejyrouSs

Laurence Ruffell and Hugh Lumby