This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Monday (30.3.20).
Key messages for today
- We want to thank all childcare professionals in the public and private sector, as well as school staff in the county borough.
- We’re paying out grants to businesses that pay business rates.
- We’re closing our household waste recycling centres.
- Registering deaths is now being done over the phone.
Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council
Thank you to childcare professionals and school staff
We want to say a heart-felt ‘thank you’ today to childcare workers in the county borough.
There are so many people in so many different professions playing a crucial role at the moment, and childcare professionals deserve our thanks and recognition.
The situation is changing every day, but we currently have 33 group childcare settings (e.g. day nurseries) open in Wrexham, as well as 33 childminders still providing services.
By staying open, they’re making sure that key workers with crucial childcare needs, can continue to do their jobs and help keep us safe. They’re also helping to ensure that vulnerable children can be safely cared for.
We also want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone working in our schools at the moment – including head teachers, teachers, catering staff, support staff and volunteers.
By keeping our schools open for children of key workers – as well as vulnerable children – they too are making a massive contribution that words can’t do justice to.
We are so grateful for everything you are doing.
Support for local businesses
For many people who run a business, the impact of coronavirus has been unexpected and brutal.
But the UK Government, Welsh Government and local councils are working together to provide as much support as they can…not next year, not next month, but right now.
One way we’re trying to help is by paying out grants to businesses that pay business rates.
So far we’ve paid out £845,000 to cafes, shops, hairdressers and other types of businesses in Wrexham, with a further £525,000 due to be paid out by this Friday (April 3).
This financial assistance is vital in helping to safeguard our local economy and jobs, and we’re continuing to process grants on a daily basis.
You can read more about these grants below, and – if you run a business – please make sure you’re aware of the different help that’s available. It could make a huge difference in helping your business survive this emergency.
Grants for your business?
Do you pay business rates? Wrexham Council can provide grants of £10,000 to firms that receive Small Business Rates Relief.
The funding was recently made available by Welsh Government, and the grants are aimed at businesses based in premises with a rateable value of up to £12,000.
There’s also a £25,000 grant available for businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector, based in premises with a rateable value between £12,001 and £51,000.
Both grants are only available to firms on the business rates register as of March 20, 2020.
If you need more information, or want to know about other support packages, contact our Business and Investment team on 01978 667300 or business@wrexham.gov.uk
GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES
Waste and recycling
Household waste recycling centres
We’re closing all three of our household waste recycling centres.
The Plas Madoc site closed yesterday, and Bryn Lane and Brymbo will close by 4pm this Friday (April 3).
In the meantime, remember that you should only visit our recycling centres if it’s absolutely essential.
If the sites become too busy, we may consider closing them sooner than anticipated.
We’re closing the sites in line with UK Government guidance on essential travel.
Registering a death over the phone
When people register the death of a loved one, we know it can be a difficult and upsetting time for them.
To support social distancing measures, we’re no longer able to offer face-to-face appointments.
However, anyone wishing to register a death can call 01978 298997 to make a telephone appointment.
The registrar will then call them back at the time of the appointment, and will provide the same compassionate and professional support as always.
We’ve made local hospitals, GPs and funeral directors aware of the new procedure.
Can you help as a volunteer?
You can register as a potential volunteer to help staff delivering front-line services and to support community befriending.
AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham) is encouraging people to sign-up.
Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19
Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:
- Daily TV statements by the Government (including by the Prime Minister).
- Daily official briefings from the Department of Health and Social Care at 2pm, and Public Health Wales at 3pm.
This is a rapidly changing situation, so we will issue further information as and when appropriate.
Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.
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