Message from Cllr Linda Haysey, Leader of East Herts Council - 26 March

I think we would all agree that the last week has been fast moving and unlike anything any of us have experienced before. I know that for many of us there are feelings of anxiety and concern about the coming weeks and months ahead, and I wanted to let you know about our plans to support our community and ensure that our essential services continue to operate as normally as possible.

Community support

It has been inspiring to see the community spirit and response of so many of our residents and voluntary groups in East Herts, who are offering to help those who are more vulnerable. A volunteer network called Team Herts has already seen a wonderful uprising of people tapping in to an amazing community spirit. You can find out more by visiting the Team Herts website.

We will continue to provide updates on initiatives to support our community as they come forward.

Business support

The government has pledged to provide £20 billion of business rates support and grant funding to help the most-affected firms manage their cash flow through this period.

The measures include:

  • 100% business rates holiday for 12 months for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses
  • £25,000 grants to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value from £15,001 and up to £50,999
  • Businesses eligible for Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) will receive a one-off £10,000 cash payment
  • £5,000 business rates discount for public houses.

For more information, please visit the business support section of our website.

Stay at home

Finally, following the latest government advice, it is absolutely crucial that everyone plays their part by stopping all non-essential social contact and following the government’s guidance on ‘social distancing’.

We are supporting these measures by closing our leisure centres, theatre, and play areas. We know how important our parks and green spaces are to residents, especially those who have no outside space. However, we urge residents to not meet in groups and to follow social distancing guidance by staying two metres away from others. We are installing signs at our parks to remind people of this.

Council buildings are also now closed to the public. This means that all face-to-face appointments are being postponed or carried out over the phone. The best ways to get in touch with us are via our website or by email customer.services@eastherts.gov.uk.

Please continue to follow this advice to help stop the spread of the virus, protect frontline workers, the most vulnerable people in our community, and our NHS.

Please stay at home and stay safe.

Cllr Linda Haysey
Leader of East Herts Council

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