15-04-20 Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough

As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, Bridgend County Borough Council is continuing to focus its resources on providing essential services and protecting vulnerable residents. The following information provides a summary of latest developments, with the most recent additions at the top:

£17.6m business support
Local businesses are benefitting from more than £17.6m of business grant funding issued by Bridgend County Borough Council as part of Welsh Government’s Covid-19 business support package. Since the launch of the £1.4bn financial rescue package, the council has processed 1,369 applications from local firms and is continuing to process many more. The support is being made available to businesses who are eligible for small business rates relief in Wales and who occupy premises with a rateable value of £12,000 or less. It also includes those who fall under small business rates relief but who do not currently pay business rates, and retail, leisure or hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £12,001 to £51,000. Applications can be made by completing the online form. Please note that to avoid delays in processing claims, it is vital for all applicants to provide accurate, essential information, including copies of bank statements showing bank details.

New £500m economic resilience fund
The Welsh Government is launching a new £500m Economic Resilience Fund to support eligible firms, businesses, charities and social enterprises. Designed to provide additional financial support during the coronavirus pandemic and help organisations manage cash flow pressures, it will help address gaps not met by existing support schemes offered by UK Government, Welsh Government and the Development Bank of Wales. Before applying to the fund, which will go live for applications on Friday 17 April 2020, organisations should go through the guidance to establish whether they are likely to be eligible – full details can be found at https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/

Recycling and refuse
Don’t forget that following the recent bank holiday, recycling and refuse collections will be one day later than normal up until and including Saturday 18 April. Deliveries of blue waste bags and green food recycling bags have been slightly delayed due to the pandemic, but are expected to be back on schedule very soon.

Foodbank access
Food bank opening times have been confirmed for the rest of the week. On Thursday 16 April, foodbanks will be available at Aberkenfig (10am-12pm), Cornelly (1pm-3pm) and Porthcawl (10am-2pm). On Friday 17 April, they will be open at Bridgend (11am-1pm), Maesteg (11am-1pm) and Pontycymmer (12pm-2pm). For advice, support and help with e-vouchers, call 01656 762800 between 9.30am–2.30pm or visit the Bridgend Foodbank website.

Bus services for key workers
Key workers are being reminded that a number of early morning bus routes have been reinstated across Bridgend County Borough to help them travel between their homes and work. These include: service 63 (6:40am from Porthcawl to Bridgend / 7:35am from Bridgend to Porthcawl), service 70 (6:25am from Cymmer to Bridgend / 8am from Bridgend to Cymmer), service 73 (6:40am from Blaengarw to Bridgend / 7:35am from Bridgend to Blaengarw), service 74 (6:40am from Nantymoel to Bridgend / 8:17am from Nantymoel to Bridgend / 7:30am from Bridgend to Nantymoel) and service X2 (6:20am from Bridgend to Cardiff / 7:20am from Cardiff to Bridgend). For more details of the early morning services, please visit the First Cymru website.

Social care opportunities
More people are being sought to help support the county borough’s most vulnerable residents. A number of employment opportunities are available, and anyone who has previously worked in social care or who has transferable skills is invited to apply. A fast-tracked application process and rapid refresher training course are available. To apply or find out more, visit the job pages at the council’s website.

Contacting the council
The Customer Service Centre at the Civic Offices in Angel Street, Bridgend remains closed to the public. Residents are asked to use the online My Account and Oggie webchat facilities, or to email talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.