Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough

As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, Bridgend County Borough Council is focusing its resources on providing essential services and protecting vulnerable residents. The following information provides a summary of latest developments.

More people allowed to attend funerals
The number of mourners permitted to attend funerals at Coychurch Crematorium and council-maintained cemeteries in the county borough will increase from 10 to 20 from Monday, June 29. The council imposed the restrictions on the number of mourners in line with guidelines across the UK at the end of March to prevent the spread of coronavirus between mourners, clergy, funeral directors and crematorium staff. The Welsh Government regulations regarding large gatherings remains unchanged and the public are still advised to adhere to the essential travel guidelines and social distancing measures. Up to a total of 20 mourners will also be able to attend a graveside funeral service as long as social distancing measures are strictly observed throughout the open air ceremony.

New Welsh Government start-up grant to support new businesses
Welsh Government has announced a start-up grant to support new businesses dealing with the severe impact of coronavirus. The fund which is initially worth £5m will support start-up firms which fall outside the UK Government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme as they only began trading in 2019. Applications for the grant will open on Monday, June 29, at the same time as phase two of the Economic Resilience Fund opens to applications. The new start-up grant will support up to 2,000 businesses in Wales, with £2,500 each. The grant will be administered by local authorities and businesses can check their eligibility by visiting the Business Wales website. The start-up grant will be delivered in the county borough by Bridgend County Borough Council with applications opening from 12 noon on Monday, June 29.

Deadline looms for funding support
Charity-run shops, sports premises and community centres have until 30 June to apply for a £10,000 Welsh Government business support grant.                                                           

The Small Charities grant scheme is aimed at eligible organisations who have properties in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector with a rateable value of £12,000 or less – you can find full details about eligibility and how to apply at the council website.

Last chance for business grants
The 30 June deadline is also imminent for local businesses who wish to apply for financial support designed to help them meet the challenges of the pandemic. With more than £28m provided so far, the council has processed 2,256 applications from local traders. Businesses can apply to the fund using an online form.

Cut-off point for Sport Wales relief
Tuesday 30 June will also be the deadline for applications from sports clubs to the Sport Wales Emergency Relief Fund. Designed to provide funding which will help keep sports clubs running during the coronavirus pandemic, application details are available at the Sport Wales website. The council has also made support available by providing clubs with £64,980 through its Bridgend Sports Support Fund, and suspending fees for using sport facilities for the rest of the year.

Virtual meeting of Cabinet
The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council will meet virtually for the first time on Tuesday 30 June. They will consider reports on issues ranging from an economic recovery plan, all-new premises for Mynydd Cynffig Primary, work to prevent flooding and more. The meeting will be recorded and made available online, and you can see the agenda and find out more at the council’s website.

Staying one step ahead of Covid-19
The Test Trace Protect service is working to help people access support and contain the spread of the coronavirus in Wales. It works by tracing people who have been in close contact with residents and key workers who have tested positive for Covid-19, and ensuring they also have support while working out who else they might have been in contact with to stay one step ahead of the virus. Visit the council’s coronavirus page for more details.

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.