All our help and information for 11/06/2020 is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/
This page is refreshed through the day so please check in regularly to keep across developments and news.
Top stories today:
Council’s finances in strong position to cope with additional coronavirus costs
Positive financial results and a major boost to reserves have put Somerset County Council in a strong position to cope with the coronavirus crisis.
In the last financial year, Somerset County Council increased its reserves to £76.2m across the board and delivered efficiencies and cost-cutting measures that enabled a £6.4m underspend.
It comes as councils across the country are struggling with increased costs and reduced income due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2019/20 figures are included in a report going to Cabinet next week while another report will highlight the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
SCC estimates additional costs of around £43.1m to help communities deal with coronavirus, including £16.7m related to adult services and £7.8m for children’s services.
Support bubbles from Saturday
The Government has announced that single adult households who live alone, or with dependent children, can form a “support bubble”. This comes into effect from Saturday 13 June.
All those in a support bubble will be able to spend time together inside each other’s homes, including overnight, without needing to stay 2 metres apart. You can find more guidance about meeting up here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-people-from-outside-your-household
County Council provides free emergency PPE for Early Years
Free packs of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in emergencies will be supplied to Early Years providers in Somerset thanks to the County Council. Early Years staff use gloves and aprons in the ordinary course of their work and will continue to do so as normal.
Fantastic response to bike appeal
The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) has had a great response to its appeal for people in West Somerset to donate their second-hand bikes to help get the area moving again. The initiative is being funded by the West Somerset Opportunity Area and Somerset County Council. In less than a month CCS has received offers of more than 40 bikes.
Zoos and outdoor attractions due to reopen on 15 June
Outdoor attractions can reopen from Monday 15 June as long as they follow social distancing rules. They must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are take-away only. Attractions where people stay in their cars, such as safari parks and drive-in cinemas, will also be allowed to reopen.
Virtual Village Hall programme
The Royal Voluntary Service has launched a national lockdown activity programme for older people. The programme is designed to bring people together to enjoy activities at the same time, to keep active and interested, and to have fun. Further details on the programme, its recent activities and how to access it can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/183wZ463MManl9tODR-scYbEFLfAvCzas/view?usp=sharing