news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Council Services

  • Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 7.5.20

    Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 7.5.20

    This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Monday (4.5.20).

    Key messages for today

    • On Sunday, the Government is expected to outline some potential easing of restrictions. However, it’s really important we don’t jump ahead, and we all continue to stick to the current rules until any changes are confirmed. We’ll keep you updated via these regular briefings.
    • There’ll be no change to bin collections this bank holiday Friday. We’ll empty your bins and collect your recycling as normal.
    • Charities based in premises with a rateable value of less than £12,000 are now eligible for business grants.
    Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
    Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

    We’ll meet again…but not this weekend

    On Sunday, the Government is expected to outline how the UK will eventually emerge from lockdown, and the potential easing of some restrictions.

    Lockdown has had a huge effect on our lives, so it’s natural that we’re all keen to hear what the Prime Minister will say.

    However, as we head into the bank holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that nothing has changed yet, and the message remains clear…

    Stay at home, save lives, protect the NHS.

    Stick to social distancing, only make essential journeys for food etc, and exercise locally. Please don’t be tempted to jump in a car and drive to one of our parks.

    And if you’re celebrating VE Day tomorrow, please do it at home.

    Covid-19 means we can’t mark this important event in the way we’d hoped, but the nation has rallied together…coming up with lots of brilliant ways to commemorate VE Day in safety.

    You can read more about these in the blog article we posted yesterday.

    VE Day

    We all know that the journey out of lockdown will be a long, step-by-step process, and that nobody can flick a switch and put the world ‘back to normal.’

    So it’s important we don’t jump ahead, and that we all continue to stick to the current rules until any easing of restrictions is confirmed.

    Enjoy the bank holiday weekend, stay safe, and let’s see what the Government says on Sunday.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    No change to bin collections this bank holiday

    We’ll empty your bins and collect your recycling as normal tomorrow (Friday, May 8).

    So if your ‘bin day’ is usually Friday, please put your bins and recycling out like you normally do…the bank holiday won’t affect anything.

    Please take a look at the article we posted earlier this week…and help us collect your recycling safely.

    Charities can now apply for business grants

    Some good news for charities in Wrexham…

    Welsh Government has now confirmed that charitable organisations based in premises with a rateable value of less than £12,000 are now eligible for the £10,000 grant available to businesses.

    Charities who were previously refused the grant because they weren’t receiving Small Business Relief can now apply.

    To submit a claim, visit our website.

    We’ve already paid out more than £20 million to 1,667 businesses in Wrexham.

    If you’ve already applied, and want an update on your claim, please email businessrates@wrexham.gov.uk

    Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19

    Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”]LATEST INFO ON COVID-19[/button]

    Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 4.5.20

     

  • New chief officer to lead education and early intervention services

    New chief officer to lead education and early intervention services

    We’d like to announce the appointment of a new chief officer to lead our Education and Early Intervention services.

    The post is currently held by Ian Roberts, who – last December – announced he would be retiring this summer.

    Since then, we’ve been busy looking for Ian’s successor, and we’re delighted to announce that Karen Evans will be joining us at the start of August.

    Karen has worked for Denbighshire County Council since 2010, and is currently Head of Education and Children’s Services there.

    She’s totally committed to delivering quality services – working with schools and other partners to ensure that all children and young people receive the best educational experience and opportunities, whilst securing the highest standards of attainment.

    Returning to Wrexham…

    Karen has taught in both England and Wales. She’s a former secondary school head teacher and spent a number of very happy years as Headteacher at Ysgol Y Grango in Rhosllanerchgrugog.

    Karen says she’s really looking forward to returning to Wrexham to be part of our Education and Early Intervention services.

    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, says: “I’m absolutely delighted we’ve been able to make such a high quality appointment.

    “Karen is a truly outstanding professional, and will bring a wealth of quality and experience to the role…building on the tremendous work that Ian has done over the past three years.

    “This is such an important post, and Karen’s appointment means we’ll be able to continue to develop the support we provide to children and young people all over Wrexham.”

    Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, adds: “Karen is hugely respected in education and local government, and it’s fantastic news that she’ll be joining us.

    “Her appointment will enable us to progress against the challenges we face in responding to the recent Estyn inspection, and we can move forward with real confidence.”

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”]LATEST INFO ON COVID-19[/button]

  • Really Wild Lockdown – take part in Tŷ Pawb’s first Arts at Home assignment

    Really Wild Lockdown – take part in Tŷ Pawb’s first Arts at Home assignment

    Be part of Tŷ Pawb’s collaborative nature documentary.

    Over the last month we have been united as a species, changing our behaviour and entering a period of uncharacteristic hibernation.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    Whether you are struggling to get up in the morning, being more cautious taking your bins out, or taken up a new hobby, we have all adopted new living and survival strategies.

    Tŷ Pawb want you to create a short 1 minute film of an action / behaviour of you or a member of your household, then create a short nature-style narration to accompany it, think David Attenborough meets You’ve Been Framed!

    All clips will be edited together to create a video of our different survival strategies, which will be shared on Facebook and in an exhibition when Tŷ Pawb reopens.

    Email your video and audio to: reallywildlockdown@gmail.com

    Find out more info on the website 

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

  • Are you a private renter or a landlord? How to deal with property problems during COVID-19

    Are you a private renter or a landlord? How to deal with property problems during COVID-19

    If you rent a house from a private landlord and have an urgent problem with your property, here is some advice on how to get help during the Covid-19 lockdown.

    Emergencies, such as electrical or gas defects (including lack of hot water or heating), drainage issues or increased fire risk should all be reported to your landlord, but if you are unable to get help from them you can call the Council’s Public Protection team.

    You can contact Public Protection via email at healthandhousing@wrexham.gov.uk or by calling the contact centre on 01978 292000.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    When we receive your complaint about poor conditions, a case officer will contact you to discuss the defects and may ask for photographic or video evidence to enable us to assess the risk.

    Public Protection staff may also visit your home, while observing social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment, or arrange to assess the problem via a video call.

    To enable us to call you back, we need you to gather the following information:

    • full property address
    • your contact details, both telephone and email wherever possible
    • a description of defects and their effect on you
    • if there are any occupants displaying signs or symptoms of Covid-19
    • if any occupants are considered to vulnerable persons, including any key workers
    • if anyone is shielding within the property

    Tenancy Relations and Evictions during COVID-19

    The UK Government has put together a series of measures to protect renters affected by Covid-19. This means that no renter, in either social or private accommodation, will be forced out of their home.

    Advice to tenants

    The Council is still investigating complaints of harassment and illegal eviction. If you make a complaint a case officer will contact you to with advice.

    We provide information and advice to tenants on a variety of subjects, including:

    • threat of eviction
    • harassment from your landlord
    • repairs to rented property
    • mobile home sites
    • licensing of rented accommodation.

    Advice to landlords

    As a landlord, you are still responsible for complying with all relevant legislation.

    Please note that we don’t advise landlords on how to comply with legislation, and any information provided doesn’t constitute advice. You should seek your own expert advice (e.g. from a landlord association or solicitor).

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

  • Applications  for 2020 nursery admission decisions out on Friday, May 8

    Applications  for 2020 nursery admission decisions out on Friday, May 8

    If you have applied for a nursery school place for September 2020 you will be informed if your application was successful or not on Friday 8th May.

    If a place cannot be offered at your preferred school the email or letter you receive will explain why it can’t be offered. There will also be instructions about the procedure to follow to add additional preferences to your original application.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    If you wish to refuse a place that has been offered, please email admissions@wrexham.gov.uk or write to them at School Admissions, Lambpit Street, Wrexham, LL11 1LG

    If you wish to view your application via the citizen portal you can do so by using the link below.

    Please note: To access your application you will need to create a MyAccount, using the same email address you used when you completed your original Nursery application.

    https://beta.wrexham.gov.uk/service/school-admissions

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

  • Communities for Work Plus can help with finding work

    Communities for Work Plus can help with finding work

    Have you recently been made redundant from your job?

    If so then Communities for Work Plus may be able to help you secure employment.

    They regularly have employers contact them to help fill their vacancies and last year they helped 274 people into work.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    They have a dedicated team of highly skilled staff who are able to support people living within the Wrexham area by providing one-to-one mentoring which is tailored to suit individual needs.

    They’re also able to offer support and advice relating to

    • Essential skills
    • Education & training
    • Digital skills Interview tips and techniques
    • CV & job application support
    • Motivation & Confidence
    • Advice for becoming Self Employed
    • Volunteering/Work Placements
    • Paid Employment
    • Better off calculations

    This is a free service for anyone living in Wrexham who is looking for work

    Communities for Work Plus also run job clubs around the Wrexham area and these will start back up again when everything settles down.

    If you’d like their support please email them at cfw@wrexham.gov.uk or call 07976 200414 or 07976 200413 to sign up to their programme.

    You’ll be asked to complete a short telephone referral form but this will be explained in more detail when you make the call.

    The lines are open between 10am and 3pm and if you can’t get through don’t worry, just leave a voicemail message and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

    Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “These are difficult times and many are now looking for work but with many firms closed or working reduced hours this is proving difficult. Communities for Work Plus may be able to help not only with matching people with jobs that come in but with support and advice.”

    “If you live in Wrexham please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team. They have excellent and experienced staff who can help. They can’t promise to match everyone to jobs but they can offer a lot of help and advice so please contact them now on 07976 200414 or 07976 200413 to sign up.”

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

  • More tips on what to play during the current lockdown

    More tips on what to play during the current lockdown

    We’ve got more tips for playing during the current lockdown courtesy of our Youth and Play team.

    Taking time to play together can make you all feel less stressed and provide an opportunity for laughter.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    But if they need ideas there’s plenty below:

    Use outside for messy play experiences, it’s Wales there’s a good chance Mother Nature will help time wash it away.

    You don’t have to entertain your children every second of the day, if they are happy and safe, leave them to direct their own play.

    Use this time to sort out the bedrooms; outgrown toys often become played with again once you go to throw them out.

    Let children guide their play times, you are there to help with resources and throw in ideas to enhance their experiences.

    Use recycling materials for play: things such as boxes, bottles, old sheets and curtains, whatever you can find that is safe for your children to play with, often make the best play resources.

    Remember that tantrums and mood swings are common and that these times are tough on every family member. However we don’t often get to spend lots of time with our children, try to enjoy it.

    The team’s play object this week is “how can I play with a Cardboard Tube?”

    The list is endless with this one and our first thoughts are a microphone, a telescope, binoculars, a tower, a cannon, a tunnel, a trumpet, a shaker… how many more can you and your children come up with?

    You could also try Junk Modelling with smaller household items

    Collect 5 natural things around the garden.

    Dressing up with each others clothes and putting on a fashion show.

    Why not try an old favourite “Eye Spy” – always good when you need a bit of a rest.

    Make music with junk materials.

    Make sock puppets and put on an outdoor performance.

    Play Simon Says then set up an obstacle course.

    Use pots and pans to make drums or have a teddy bear’s picnic in your garden.

    When you go on your daily exercise why not try a Pirate themed walk?

    Before you set sail you can make your own pirate outfit – don’t forget the eye patch. Make a telescope and see if you can spot other pirates and create your own family pirate flag.

    During your voyage see if you can find a plank to walk, sing a sea shanty, find a stick to swing like a sword, look for some treasure – leaves, petals, pine cones, rocks grass and daisies. Then find a great hiding spot for your treasure and go back in a couple of days to see if anyone has found it. You could also hop like you’ve got a wooden leg and say to everyone you see “Arr me hearty!”

    And when you get home don’t forget to make a treasure map so you know how to get back to your treasure!

    Whilst you’re out don’t forget to adhere to the 2 metre social distancing guideline to keep you and your family safe.

    Here’s some useful links that will give other ideas and encouragement:

    Play Wales

    Wild network challenges

    Young Wrexham

    Need some help or advice? Please contact the Play and Youth Support team via email at play@wrexham.gov.uk

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

  • Help us to collect your recycling safely

    Help us to collect your recycling safely

    Our waste services continue to adapt to the current situation and our teams are working extremely hard to provide your weekly recycling service with as little disruption as possible, but there are a few things we need you to do to help us out over the coming weeks.

    Our priority remains keeping you and our crews safe and we have very strict hygiene precautions in place to do this, but you will need to help us out with some of these.

    Extra recycling

    As we’re experiencing higher levels of recycling than usual because of homeworking and school closures, many of you have been leaving out extra recycling for us to collect.

    If your recycling boxes/bags get full, you can leave the extra recyclables in containers next to your other recycling on your collection day and we’ll recycle the materials.

    But if you do this, you MUST still separate the materials as you usually would. For example, extra paper and cardboard should go in one container, cans and plastics in a different container and any extra glass in a separate container too.

    The only safe way

    Our operatives need to be able to pick up the container and empty it straight into the correct vehicle compartment. For safety reasons, no touching of the recyclables can occur.

    So, we must stress that the only safe way to take your extra recycling is for you to sort it correctly and leave it in separated containers for us. Unless you do this, we can’t take it away.

    Maximise space

    Making the most of the space you have can help you to avoid having extra recycling.

    Splitting and folding down cardboard boxes will give you more space in your blue sack/top wheelie box.

    Squashing your plastic bottles will also give you more room in your recycling box.

    Wash containers

    Please clean your hands and disinfect your bag/bin/box/caddy handles before and after you touch them.

    We also ask you wash any containers that you put extra recycling in the same way.

    Weekly service

    We want to remind that your recycling collection continues to be a weekly service.

    Some residents have told us they believed we were only collecting recycling on the weeks that we collect their black household waste bin. This is not the case.

    Tissues aren’t recyclable

    Tissues are not recyclable. Please don’t place them in your blue bag/top wheelie box as this will contaminate your other recycling.

    Tissues need to go in your general waste with extra care due to the current pandemic.

    If you are self-isolating and feeling unwell please double-bag your personal waste such as tissues and put aside for 72 hours before putting out for collection.

    Thanks for your support

    We would like to again thank you for all for the kind words and messages that have been left for our crews.

    Please continue to offer your support to them. They’re working extra hard at an extremely difficult time.

    It’s important and keeps morale up during these challenging times. Thank you.

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

  • Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 4.5.20

    Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 4.5.20

    This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Friday (1.5.20).

    Key messages for today

    Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
    Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

    Free school meals – over 2,600 registrations for new scheme

    Today, we’ve introduced a new direct payment system for free school meals.

    The new set-up sees money paid directly into the bank accounts of parents or carers, which they can then use to buy their children food.

    Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been encouraging people to register for the scheme.

    We’ve had an excellent response so far, with over 2,600 registrations – which is about the same as the number of free school meals we’d normally provide each day.

    So we think a large number of families who are eligible are taking up the offer…which is good news for children across the county borough.

    How it works

    Parents receive a payment at the start of each month that equates to £19.50 per week for each eligible child in their family – which means we’re paying £78 up front to make life as easy as possible for them.

    We’re also paying the money irrespective of holidays – so we’re providing money to cover bank holidays, school half terms and so on.

    Around 1,100 payments have already been paid into people’s bank accounts. A further 900 will be paid on Thursday, May 7 and further payments made before May 12.

    So if you’ve registered and you haven’t received the money yet, you should see it within the next few days.

    You can still register

    If your children normally receive free school meals and you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time. Just fill-in the form on our website.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Free_School_Meals_____Direct_Payment_Application”]REGISTER NOW
    [/button]

    If we have any queries, we’ll get back to you within 10 days.

    Otherwise, the money should be in your bank account within 10 days of us receiving your application.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    No change to bin collections this bank holiday

    We’ll empty your bins and collect your recycling as normal this coming bank holiday (Friday, May 8).

    So if your ‘bin day’ is usually Friday, please put your bins and recycling out like you normally do…the bank holiday won’t affect anything.

    If you get a phone-call from us…

    From this week, we’ll be phoning people on the ‘shielded’ list to try and check they’re ok.

    These are people who’ve received a letter from the Government encouraging them to self-isolate because they have an underlying health condition.

    So if you’re on the list and you receive a phone call from the council, don’t be alarmed…we just want to check you’re ok.

    Reminder – are you eligible for business support?

    We’ve already paid out more than £20 million to 1,667 businesses in Wrexham as part of the business rates relief support announced by Welsh Government.

    Although claims are still being received each day, anyone who hasn’t applied yet is encouraged to check if their business is eligible and – if so – submit an online application.

    If you do apply, please check the details you provide very carefully – especially bank account numbers and sort codes – as incorrect details can lead to delays in payment.

    Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19

    Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

    Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 1.5.20

  • UK Government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme – Now Open!

    UK Government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme – Now Open!

    The UK government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme is now open for applications.

    This scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000.

    The government guarantees 100% of the loan and there won’t be any fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months. Loan terms will be up to 6 years. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months. The government will work with lenders to agree a low rate of interest for the remaining period of the loan.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    The scheme will be delivered through a network of accredited lenders – including the majority of high street banks.

    Eligibility – You can apply for Bounce Back Loan if your business:

    • is based in the UK
    • has been negatively affected by coronavirus
    • was not an ‘undertaking in difficulty’ on 31 December 2019

    Who cannot apply for a Bounce Back Loan

    • banks, insurers and reinsurers (but not insurance brokers)
    • public-sector bodies
    • state-funded primary and secondary schools

    If you’re already claiming funding

    You cannot apply if you’re already claiming under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).  However, if you’ve already received a loan of up to £50,000 under CBILS and would like to transfer it into the Bounce Back Loan scheme, you can arrange this with your lender until 4 November 2020.

    How to Apply for a Bounce Back Loan

    The full rules of the scheme and guidance on how to apply is available on the British Business Bank website, together with a list of accredited lenders.

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]