AS COMMUNITIES continue to face what is probably the biggest challenge of their lifetimes, Durham County Council is doing all it can to support residents and keep people safe by working alongside partners such as the NHS, police, and fire service.

Priority services, including adult and children’s social care and refuse and recycling collections, continue to be delivered, with staff adapting their working practices to comply with social distancing measures. Schools have remained open for children of key workers, grass cutting has continued, and customer services are still responding to residents’ queries, mostly virtually or by phone.

Many teams are working remotely to ensure vital services can still be accessed, while some services – such as the library, venues, and events – have been moved online. Staff unable to carry out their normal roles have been redeployed to support services and projects in the community. Though the outbreak has altered everyone’s way of life, there is support across County Durham for those who are struggling.

Supporting our communities

While people are asked to accept help from family, friends, and neighbours where possible, the council has teamed up with local groups, volunteers, and charities to launch a virtual hub to support the most vulnerable residents in the community.

County Durham Together is helping those most at risk with essential food supplies, general advice or just someone to talk to.

If you need support, please visit: durham.gov.uk 

Email: communityhub@durham.gov.uk.

The Northern Echo: Durham County Council staff preparing food boxes to be delivered to vulnerable residents across the countyDurham County Council staff preparing food boxes to be delivered to vulnerable residents across the county

Jo Laverick, the executive director of Durham Community Action, said: “We’ve all had to make major changes to our lifestyles, ways of working and our freedoms in such a short space of time. Throughout the challenges we are all dealing with, it remains crucial that we find ways to work together to look after and protect our most vulnerable. This community hub is helping us to get co-ordinated, work together and do that. Knowing that help and support is available goes a long way to reassure residents.

“I am also so grateful to the groups and individuals who are actively helping in their communities and to all those who have offered to volunteer. They’re making such a difference in allowing us to make the best use of our resources and support as many people as possible.”

Durham is one of only a small number of councils in the country to provide council tax discounts of up to 100 per cent for eligible residents. It has also introduced a hardship scheme which tops up the discount applied by up to £300, with 7,000 households across the county already having benefited.

Debt recovery has also been postponed for anyone falling into arrears and an additional £1m has been invested in the council’s Welfare Assistance Scheme, which provides short-term support to people in crisis situations.

Up to £3.9m has also been made available to support community and voluntary projects. This includes an additional £1.4m allocated through the council’s 14 Area Action Partnerships, £100,000 for countywide initiatives, plus £2.4 million from councillors’ neighbourhood budgets following the introduction of new rules allowing them to be used to support coronavirus-related projects.

Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “Our communities are what makes County Durham special, and by working together we will get through this. That’s why we’re doing everything to support people in as many ways as we can, whether that be financially or with access to essential items. I would strongly encourage people to get in touch with us if they need help.”

The Northern Echo:

Help for businesses

Many businesses have had to close as a result of social distancing regulations. Almost £88m has been paid to more than 7,900 County Durham businesses to help them deal with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

Heather Harker-Smith, who runs the bridal boutique Alice Elizabeth in Coxhoe, said: “I can now continue to pay my bills and staff wages as normal. I’m determined that my business will continue to thrive when this is over, and this grant has provided that much-needed security in what has been such a worrying time. It has helped me to sleep for the first time in a long time.”

Another 2,268 businesses have also benefited from a business rates reduction totalling £49m. Meanwhile, debt recovery action on unpaid business rates has been suspended and tenants in Business Durham’s commercial properties have been offered three-month rent deferrals.

The Northern Echo: Heather Harker-Smith at bridal boutique Alice Elizabeth before its temporary closureHeather Harker-Smith at bridal boutique Alice Elizabeth before its temporary closure

Carers

Social care is vital in supporting the NHS through the coronavirus pandemic. Carers are working hard to support some of the county’s most vulnerable residents in difficult circumstances and their work is highly valued.

The council is in regular contact with care homes across the county to offer support and financial assistance, and homes are being provided with and helped to source PPE and access virus testing. It is also working with staff to enhance infection control and support mental health and wellbeing.

The County Durham Care Academy has launched a fast track recruitment process to help ease pressure on the existing workforce. It has already attracted 50 applicants to three key roles: care workers, domestic assistants, and kitchen assistants to work in care homes.

Over the coming weeks the council is looking to bring other services back. Garden waste collections are now starting, having been postponed for a month, as are some highways and construction projects. Staff are also looking to reopen household waste recycling centres when it is safe to do so.

The Northern Echo: Cllr Lucy Hovvels and Cllr Audrey Laing, from Durham County Council, at the launch of the Care Academy in August 2019Cllr Lucy Hovvels and Cllr Audrey Laing, from Durham County Council, at the launch of the Care Academy in August 2019

Despite these challenging times, it is important that residents continue to follow the Public Health and government guidelines to help keep all communities across County Durham safe. More information and support for residents can be found online at www.durham.gov.uk.