Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I've just had my hours cut at work. I'd like to take on a second job, but there's nothing around. It sounds ridiculous to talk about Christmas now, but I'm already worrying! I usually start buying the kids a few presents really early to spread the cost - but that's going to be impossible this year. How can I make less go further, without going into debt?

A: I'm sorry to hear about the cut in your hours, and what it means for you.

One way to stretch household finances is to shop around for the best deals on your mobile phone and broadband (depending on the details of your price plan), and on utilities, such as electricity. Installing a water meter can also sometimes bring savings.

It’s worth checking your insurances and subscriptions - cancel any you don’t need and shop around for the others. It’s normally cheaper if you don’t leave it until just before the renewal date.

If your children are school age there may be help available with uniforms, technology and free school meals. Our website has more details.

A fall in income may mean you’re eligible for benefits, especially if you’re a parent or carer. The Turn 2 Us benefits checker is very useful.

It sounds like you’re normally very organised, and I’m sure this will stand you in good stead.

Make a list of the cost of your priority outgoings - such as housekeeping and essential travel - against your new income.

It’s easy to slip into overdraft, or miss a payment, and it can then become more and more expensive - and stressful - to get on the right track and out of debt. Likewise, think carefully about any ‘buy now pay later’ deals - they’re not always the best option long term.

If you are worried about debt, here at Citizens Advice we have specially trained advisors available to help, so please do get in touch.

Lockdown closes libraries again

 Library users in Denbighshire are being reminded that online services will continue during the upcoming lockdown.

Denbighshire libraries will close on October 23 after the Welsh Government announced a ‘firebreak’ lockdown.

The online digital library for downloadable books, newspapers and magazines will continue to operate through the coming weeks, and orders for books can be placed online for collection or delivery once that is allowed.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Following the announcement from the Welsh Government, libraries in the county will close in line with the new regulations.

“We would like to thank residents for their patience during this time and remind customers that there are a wealth of books, newspapers and magazines available through our website.

“New customers can still sign up to join the service for free on the Denbighshire Libraries website.

“Customers are encouraged to contact their library before Friday if they want to have a supply of books to read over the next few weeks or if they need to access the library computers.”

All books currently on loan are being automatically renewed and members are asked to keep their books at home until they can be returned to the library.

Further information at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

Household waste recycling centres to close again on Friday

* The Pavilion car park "pop-up" recycling facility is to close again during the latest lockdown. 

Household waste recycling centres in Denbighshire will close on Friday (October 23) as part of the Welsh Government ‘firebreak’ lockdown.

The Llangollen and Corwen pop-up recycling centres will also close during the lockdown. 

Denbighshire residents with a valid booking will be able to access the recycling parks until the end of the day on Friday but all bookings made after that date will be cancelled.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Following the announcement by Welsh Government all household waste recycling centres will close at the end of the day on October 23.

“We urge residents not to turn up at the recycling parks this week without a valid booking.  

"The booking system has been working well and helped to keep staff and residents safe, enabling us to operate with social distancing measures in place.  Vehicles without a valid booking will be turned away.

“We would like to thank residents for their co-operation and once we are given the all clear to reopen the sites, we will let residents know and resume the booking system.”

At this time, the council’s bulky waste service and all kerbside services, including garden waste are running as normal. 

If residents are unable to store bulky waste items safely during the lockdown period, they can book a bulky waste collection online via www.denbighshire.gov.uk/bulkyitems There is a small collection charge for bulky waste items.

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! "