Free school meals announcement welcomed by county

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed news that Welsh Government funding for free school meals will be provided to parents and guardians during all school holidays up to and including Easter 2021. 

The funding announcement was made by Education Minister Kirsty Williams MS last week.

The council says it will now be making plans to make payments  into the bank or building society accounts of those eligible for free school meals, with the initial payment due to be made at the start of the half term holidays, the week commencing Monday, October 26^th.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, Education and Public Engagement, said: “We welcome this funding as it provides some security for parents and guardians that they will have funds to continue providing meals during the school holidays.

“Our education, catering, benefits and finance teams set up a direct payment system during the initial lockdown period, with payments continuing until the schools re-opened in September.  That system worked extremely well and we will be using the same system to make the new payments.

“It’s really important that we have the most  up to date information from parents/ guardians that are eligible, to ensure that we can make the payment without any delays.

* If parents/ guardians believe the Council does not hold the most up to date information on the free school meal claim, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/free-school-meals

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, are: 

·         A new fund of more than £1m to help Wales’ unpaid carers cope with the financial pressures of COVID-19 has been announced today by the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.

o   Open to carers across Wales, the Carers Support Fund will see grants of up to £300 made available for a range of essentials, including; food, household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop for access to support and services.

o   A public consultation about a new national plan for carers, setting out how Welsh Government’s proposes to work with a range of partners to strengthen its priorities to better reflect every aspect of a carers’ life has also been published.

o   https://gov.wales/ps1-million-fund-carers-mark-launch-public-consultation

·         A quick guide to changes to benefits appointment, assessments and claims: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-changes-benefits-appointment-assessments-and-claims

·         Updated guidance which explains who is exempt from the requirement to self-isolate (quarantine) if travelling to Wales from overseas https://gov.wales/exemptions-self-isolation-coronavirus-covid-19-html 

Coronavirus in numbers

·         The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 1,148 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 37,400 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   Sadly, another 10 deaths were reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 1,722.

o   These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

·         The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving COVID-19, for the week ending 9 October.

o   The cumulative number of deaths involving COVID-19 in Welsh residents up to 9 October was 2,671.

o   Of the deaths registered in the week ending 9 October, there were provisionally 37 deaths involving COVID-19 – this was 12 more than the previous week. This is the fourth successive week numbers have increased.

o   The numbers reported by ONS are different from those from Public Health Wales because of different reporting methods and timing.

o   https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest

 

Where to find the latest information

·        Information about local restrictions in Bangor, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly borough, Cardiff, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Llanelli, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham areas: https://gov.wales/local-lockdown  

·         Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/

·         Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws

·         Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/

·         If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe

·         The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL translator. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Economy Minister Ken Skates held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1318511230923939840 

Welsh Government doubles Economic Resilience Fund to nearly £300

The Welsh Government is doubling the third phase of its Economic Resilience Fund, making nearly £300m available to support businesses that continue to be affected by Covid-19.

In September, the Economy Minister Ken Skates announced £140m would be made available under the third phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund.

However, as a result of the “fire-break”, which will begin on Friday 23 October and continue until Monday 9 November and will require a range of businesses to temporarily close their doors or reduce their operations, the latest round of the fund will be more than doubled to ensure further help for businesses across Wales.

The Economic Resilience Fund, which complements support schemes available from the UK Government, is part of the Welsh Government’s £1.7bn plus support package for businesses to help deal with the economic impacts of Coronvirus.

Economy Minister Ken Skates said: “As a Welsh Government we are having to make important decisions to help slow the spread of coronavirus and protect both the stability of our NHS and the health of our people. However we absolutely recognise that these decisions do have a knock on effect on our economy and our businesses during what has already been an incredibly difficult year for them.

“We’ve been speaking at length and in depth with our business partners about the ongoing impact of coronavirus and the effect of the restrictions we are having to implement to slow its spread.

“One of the messages we have received loud and clear is that businesses want certainty so that they can plan and prepare, and that they need a clear package of support to help them through this difficult time.

“This enhanced package of support, which will see us doubling the third phase of our Economic Resilience Fund and quickly getting money out to our businesses to support them through this firebreak and beyond, is designed to provide just that.”

The new and bolstered economic package will see:

• Payments of £1,000 for businesses that are eligible for Small Business Rates relief and occupy a property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.
• Payments of up to £5,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are required to close and which occupy a property with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £50,000.
• A discretionary £2,000 top-up grant for businesses closed or materially affected by the firebreak lockdown.
• A further discretionary £1,000 grant for businesses that were materially affected by local lockdown measures for 21 days or more prior to the start of the firebreak.

The Welsh Government is also providing a further £20m towards Business Grants meaning £100m will be available for this purpose. Previously, companies were required to provide a percentage of the funding to access these grants, but the Welsh Government has now confirmed it will provide 100% funding for businesses forced to close during the firebreak.

The Minister added: “By doubling the value of this phase of the fund, we are making almost £300m available to provide more financial assistance to our small and medium employers and to businesses in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector that must close their doors during the firebreak.

“This means an additional £150m going direct to Welsh firms to help them cover their bills and increase their resilience to help them through the challenging weeks and months ahead.

“The Economic Resilience Fund, which has been designed to plug the gaps in the UK Government’s support package, has already been crucial in protecting companies across Wales from the severe impacts of coronavirus, safeguarding more than 100,000 jobs.

“This announcement, which is again in addition to the offer from UK Government, will help ensure that many Welsh businesses can keep their heads above water, plan for the future and protect the jobs on which our communities rely.

“The funds will open next week and we will work hard to get money out to businesses as quickly as we can.”

* More information, which will be regularly updated during this week, can be found at: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice

New testing centre opens in Corwen - but it's appointments only

A new testing station has opened in Corwen to make it easier for people in the area to get an appointment for a COVID-19 test closer to home. 

This service for individuals who believe they have COVID-19 symptoms, and you should only attend if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

•    a high temperature 
•    a new, continuous cough 
•    a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste 

The drive-through facility has been set up in the Green Lane Car Park and will be in operation for the next two to three weeks.

This is not a walk-in service and people will need to make an appointment to have a test. 

Details about how to apply for a test can be found on the Welsh Government website here.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has worked in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care to set this testing station up.

Businesses and organisations get ready for latest lockdown

* Llangollen Wharf is one of the local businesses preparing

 for the two-week lockdown.

Llangollen businesses and organisations have reacted to yesterday’s Welsh Government announcement of a two-week circuit breaker lo lockdown to begin this Friday.

On Facebook the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group posted: “As we move into another, hopefully temporary, lockdown and in preparation for what could be some difficult months ahead the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group plans to resume its work and set up a new network of support in Llangollen for those who need help, are isolated, or are vulnerable during these difficult times.

“We hope to provide regular contact and support with shopping.

“If you need support or know of anyone who you think we could help please contact:

Austin Cheminais (Chem)07813 761766, chemshouts@gmail.com; John Palmer

07515 051696, palmerjc28@gmail.com. If you need help collecting prescriptions contact Sheena Grindley, 07592 018533.

Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches posted: “Following the announcement from the First Minister of Wales today, there will be no Sunday services until the National Lockdown has ended.

“A service will be live-streamed on this page at 11am on Sunday morning.

Please pray for each other during this challenging time.”

The message from the Ponderosa Cafe was: “Good afternoon everyone. I hope this message finds you all well amidst these strange times we again find ourselves and our livelihoods in.

“For the time being the Cafe will remain closed following Mark Drakeford’s recent announcement placing Wales into a circuit break national lockdown (from Friday 23rd October).

“Furthermore there will be another road closure week commencing October 26th, the main Horseshoe Pass road A542 will close for three weeks for essential maintenance works.

“At this moment in time the prospect of opening the Ponderosa Cafe before November is looking very bleak, hopefully we can get the Cafe open for December in time for our Christmas lunches, a bit of snow wouldn’t go amiss.

“I believe it would bring a bit of much needed Christmas cheer to children and adults alike.

“To all our wonderful customers I thank you once again the support we have received has been truly overwhelming and it honestly keeps us moving forward in these uncertain times.

“An update regarding the Cafe will coincide with the Welsh assembly’s update in two weeks time on the 9th of November. Kindest regards Simon Clemence.”

Llangollen Wharf posted: “You will all now know that we will be closed from 6pm Friday. So as a last farewell before the boys go on their winter holidays we are going to be running horsedrawn boat trips on Thursday 22nd at 11am 12.30 and 2pm.

“Our Tea Room will be open every day also from 9am till 4.30pm for eating at the Wharf or Take Away. You can book the trips on our website or phone the Wharf on 01978 860702.”

Posting from the Bridge End Hotel was: “Update: Following today's announcement, we will sadly be closing our doors again on Friday, 23rd October at 6 pm until Monday, 9th November.

“But we need your help... to clear our stock over the next 4 days, we've got Robinsons Smooth at £2.00 per pint and Unicorn at £2.50 per pint. So please pop by and have a drink in your local... When the beer has gone, it's gone!

“Thanks for your amazing support over the last few months and we can't wait to welcome you back on the 9th!”

And Dee Valley Produce posted: “HERE WE GO AGAIN........

“So just to keep you all up to date, I thought we would just put up a little reminder-

We are still going to be open as usual Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sunday 10-3.30pm.

“We are still doing free home deliveries and collections. To place an order call us on 01978861805. We can take payment over the phone and except cash.”

Llangollen Pizza & Kebab said on Facebook: "Dear customers,

"We find ourselves In the midst of uncertainty yet again. It’s like March all over.

"Well. At least we know now what we didn’t know before and rest assured, you will have your favourite takeaway ready to break the monotony of lock down life!

"We will still be open as usual. Visit our website https://llangollenkebabpizzapalace.co.uk

to order a delivery or a collection from our array of delicious, authentic kebabs and stone baked pizzas!

"From all our team here, we wanted to wish everyone good health in these difficult times and hope that all of us can support each other through this! "

 

County responds to circuit breaker announcement

Denbighshire County Council says the announcement made by First Minister Mark Drakeford this afternoon (Monday) regarding the circuit breaker does provide some clarity for residents and the authority says it will work with communities in the on-going fight against covid-19.

Last week, the council provided feedback to the Welsh Government via the Welsh Local Government Association, calling for guidance to be provided to the public and councils on the conditions of the lockdown; which businesses, premises and council services would be allowed to remain open and clarification on individual movement and households mixing.

Cabinet also called for a clear commitment and description of the support package that will be available to businesses and the self- employed and robust guidance to local authorities on eligibility, administration and funding arrangements and also asked for a commitment to fully reimburse local authorities for income loss and additional costs incurred resulting from implementing Welsh Government’s lockdown.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “The fact that the announcement has been made will end a lot of speculation that has taken place in recent days and will provide some clarity of what’s expected of communities right across Wales in terms of the timings of the circuit breaker.  We would like some answers to how this will all work and the devil is in the fine detail.

"There are still many unanswered questions around business and the support for businesses that will be affected by the new restrictions.

“Doing nothing is simply not an option and we do recognise that something needs to be done.  That is why we will work with Welsh Government, our partners and communities right across Denbighshire to implement these measures.

“We will now be considering the effect of the circuit breaker on the services that we provide in Denbighshire and will be making announcements in the coming days on which services will be affected and how people may access services in a different way."

*Details of the circuit breaker restrictions can be found on the Welsh Government website: www.gov.wales

Wales goes into "short sharp" national lockdown from Friday

* First Minister Mark Drakeford announces the new lockdown.

Wales will go into a "short, sharp" national lockdown from Friday until Monday, 9 November, the BBC says.

People will be told to stay at home, while pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops will shut.

Primary schools will reopen after the half-term break, but only Years 7 and 8 in secondary schools will return at that time under new "firebreak" rules.

Gatherings indoors and outdoors with people not in your household will also be banned.

Leisure businesses, community centres, libraries and recycling centres will shut. Places of worship will be closed for normal services, except for funerals and weddings.

The announcement follows rising case numbers in Wales and increasing hospital admissions, and replaces the 17 local lockdowns that had been in place.

Figures now stand at 130 coronavirus cases per 100,000 over seven days - there were 4,127 cases recorded between 9 and 15 October.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the "time-limited 'firebreak'" will be "a short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock, slow down the virus and buy us more time".

Halloween and Bonfire Night gatherings will not be allowed under the restrictions, which begin on Friday at 18:00 BST.

But there will be an exception for small Remembrance Sunday commemoration services on 8 November.

Universities in Wales will continue to provide "a blend of in-person and online learning".

If students have reading weeks or half-term they will also need to stay at home in their university accommodation, the first minister said.

The Welsh Government has provided a package of almost £300m to support businesses.

According to the BusinessLive website, this will include:

• Extra Economic Resilience Fund of £300m.
• £150m into Phase 3 of the ERF to support those businesses directly affected by the fire break.
• Every business covered by Small Business Rate Relief will get a £1,000 payment.
• Small and medium sized retail, leisure and hospitality businesses which have to close will receive one-off payment of up to £5,000. They will come to businesses automatically.
• Additional discretionary grant and support for smaller businesses who are struggling because of restrictions.
• £80 ERF fund announced recently increase to £100m. £20m ringfenced for tourism and hospitality.
• Businesses will also be able to access the support available through the existing Job Retention Scheme or the new expanded Job Support Scheme.