Havant Borough Council keeps working during coronavirus

Havant Borough Council is working hard to keep services available as usual during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly those that support vulnerable people.

The government’s advice on preventing the spread of the virus has meant that many of the council’s day-to-day working practices have had to stop or change.

Councillor Michael Wilson, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said: “This is an unprecedented situation and our priority is and will always be the health and wellbeing of everyone living, working and visiting the borough.

“We are implementing our business continuity plans to ensure our services remain operational and available to serve and support our communities.

“We are finding new, safe ways to continue with our democratic procedures and we are supporting our community groups who are assisting the most vulnerable in our society to ensure they are helped through this crisis safely.

“We will also highlight any changes to services on our other channels including social media and email alerts. Please follow our social media accounts or sign up to the email alerts.

For regular updates on Havant Borough Council services go to: https://www.havant.gov.uk/coronavirus

Council services

Following the government’s guidelines on preventing the spread of coronavirus staff have been asked to work from home where possible.

The council will do everything it can to keep delivering the services residents rely on but in this unprecedented situation there may be some disruption. Our critical services will be prioritised. If you have a query please contact the council through 023 9244 6019 or on https://www.havant.gov.uk or email [email protected].

Events

No council run events are scheduled to be held during the next 12 weeks, however we will continue to review events due to be held on council land.

Havant Borough Council working in the community

During the coronavirus pandemic Havant Borough Council will be working with other councils and organisations to help those affected by the outbreak.

We will be liaising with Hampshire County Council, the voluntary sector and community groups to provide the right assistance to vulnerable people.

Citizens Advice Havant has an advice line for residents, contactable on 0344 411 1306. It is also offering a more extensive service to vulnerable residents needing extra support.  They are also continuing to provide a face to face service for the foreseeable future delivering from Plaza, Leigh Park Community Centre and Hayling Island as long as the buildings remain open.  More information can be found on their website at https://www.citizensadvicehavant.org/

Business support

While people are being asked to avoid social contact many businesses will inevitably be hit.

The government has introduced significant measures to support our local businesses, particularly small businesses and those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.

Some businesses will not be expected to pay business rates while others may be eligible for a £10,000 grant.

The council is liaising with the government to work out the detail of these schemes and more information will be posted on the webpage www.havant.gov.uk/business-rates.

Council meetings

The meeting of Cabinet, Full Council and Development Management Committee will all take place next week in the Public Service Plaza, Havant.

The public gallery will remain open, however there will be sufficiently reduced seating available due to social spacing in line with current Government guidance.

To ensure we facilitate public engagement as much as possible we will also aim to stream these meetings via Facebook Live.

Social spacing guidelines will also be adhered to for anyone who has requested to make  Deputations at these meetings.

All of the representations made on this planning application are available to members of the committee and are considered.

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