Covid-19 update 04 05 2020

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.

Waste & Recycling collections on Bank Holiday Friday

Waste and recycling collections will be undertaken as normal this Friday despite it being a Bank Holiday.

Usually on a week where a Bank Holiday takes place, waste collections are a day late but that is not the case this week. Cabinet member for communities Richard Young said: “We want to thank all the Kier refuse and recycling collectors for working on Bank Holiday Friday. They have been doing a phenomenal job during this challenging time.”

To help our refuse collectors, please park considerately and bear in mind refuse lorries need space to get through.

Garden waste collection

As of today (Monday, May 4), garden waste collections resume. Existing customers will receive the service free of charge for the rest of the year in acknowledgment of inconvenience caused by the council and Kier having to source a new contractor. The service will be available to households which were enrolled in the scheme before 27 March, which is when the previous service stopped. The service will be reviewed at a later date to see if, how and when the scheme might be developed further.

£500 payment for all social care workers

All social care workers in Bridgend county borough will receive a £500 bonus payment from the Welsh Government in recognition of their vital contribution during the coronavirus pandemic. Announcing the payment on Friday, May 1, the First Minister Mark Drakeford said the payment would be made available to more than 64,000 care home workers and domiciliary care workers employed by councils and the independent sector across Wales. The council is now working through the detail and will be issuing a further communication once this has been done.

Town centre businesses asked to take part in short survey

Town centre businesses in Bridgend county borough are being asked to take part in a short survey this week on how they have adapted to new ways of working during the coronavirus pandemic. The survey involves three questions and aims to feed into work the local authority is doing on how best to support businesses once the lockdown is lifted. The survey askes businesses to summarise how their business has adapted to trading during the crisis, what lessons have been learned from trading at this time and what ideas they have for how town centre businesses can be supported once the lockdown is lifted. Complete the survey

The deadline for responses is Monday, May 11. 

Business grants reach £25.5m

With over 2,000 applications from local firms processed to date, business grant funding issued by Bridgend County Borough Council has reached £25.5m. The support is available for businesses that 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.

Pandemic information on your phone

For official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about the coronavirus, you can sign up to a free WhatsApp service - add 07860 064422 to your phone contacts and message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.

Plans for rates relief

Bridgend County Borough Council is working to implement Welsh Government plans for a new Expanded Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Relief Scheme designed to support eligible businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the scheme, businesses which qualified for High Street relief in 2019/20 will have their rates bills amended so that they can receive 100 per cent relief for the current financial year. Businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector that have been eligible for a grant will also be automatically awarded the 100 per cent expanded relief. Any business that becomes liable for business rates during the year, such as a new occupier, will be issued with application forms to confirm eligibility.

Help for carers

Anyone who acts as a carer for a relative, neighbour or friend can access help and support during the coronavirus pandemic. The Carers Wellbeing Service is operating a 24/7 helpline which is pointing people towards additional community resources.

The council’s website offers information and links on accessing support and keeping yourself safe during, with links to latest advice ranging from finances to improving and maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing.

To help spread awareness of this support, Carers Development officer Kathy Proudfoot has recorded a video message which you can view at the Facebook page of the Carers Trust South East Wales.

The video, which is one of several produced by the Carers Trust, outlines available support while detailing Kathy’s own experiences as a carer.

For more information, visit the council’s carers page or the Carers Trust South East Wales website. You can also call the Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service 24/7 helpline on 01656 336969.

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.