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News and Features from Harborough District Council - March 2021
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Councillor Phil King
Leader of Harborough District Council 
 
We have our 'roadmap' but we must continue to follow rules
The 'roadmap' out of lockdown has been outlined by the Prime Minister, and scientific advisers, with a number of key dates for Covid-19 restrictions to ease and for the re-opening of business, leisure and hospitality sectors.

The Government has explained that they will be following the "data and not dates". Numbers of new coronavirus cases remain high in some areas, as do hospitalisations, due to this disease; both of these need to significantly reduce.

The admirable pace of the vaccine roll out will continue to play a crucial role in this. My heartfelt praise and thanks to all those involved for their efforts and hard work in giving the jabs to residents to help protect them against this horrible virus. It is amazing to see this roll out in action. 

In Harborough district, I am pleased to say that cases have reduced since the start of the year - but we must remain vigilant and remember 'hands-face-space'. 

It is absolutely crucial that we continue to follow the rules and advice so that we can progress out of lockdown as per the Government's published roadmap.

I'd once again like to thank everyone who has adhered to the restrictions. By staying at home and following the rules we will hopefully be able to move more quickly towards a positive future when the devastating impact of this virus can be minimised. Thank you.

Cllr Phil King
 
Farmers' market to return to town 
Harborough District Council is delighted to announce that the popular Farmers' Market is set to return to The Square in Market Harborough on Thursday 4 March 2021 from 9am to 3pm.

The Market will feature essential goods only, and will have social distancing measures in place including a revised layout, fencing of The Square to create a one way system, and hand sanitiser stations at the entrance.

The Food Hall in the indoor market in Northampton Road, Market Harborough, remains open for essential goods only Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 3pm.

Preparations are underway for non-essential retail to return no earlier than 12 April 2021 and for seated hospitality to return after 17 May 2021.

A big thank you to all the loyal customers who have continued to support traders at the market.
Government issues roadmap out of coronavirus lockdown step by step
 
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The Government has published the 'COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021', setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England.
 
The Government has said the roadmap will continue to protect and support citizens and provide a roadmap out of the current coronavirus restrictions – with vaccines at the centre of its strategy. So far, over 18 million people have received a vaccine across the UK.
 
The success of the vaccination rollout, alongside falling infections and hospitalisations, is paving the way for the safe and gradual lifting of restrictions.
 
Before taking each step, the Government will review the latest data on the impact of the previous step against four tests:
  1. The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
  2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
  3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
  4. The assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.
If these tests are satisfactorily met the following steps (easing of restrictions) will take place on key dates outlined in the posters of steps 1 to 4 (pictured).

Covid spot checks
 
As part of our checks on local businesses to ensure they are Covid secure over 200 businesses have been contacted, with a further 200 currently in progress.
 
We are pleased to say that the majority have been compliant. Advice and written warnings have been provided in relation to those non-compliant businesses.
 
No formal enforcement action has been needed so far.
 
We're continuing our work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses across Harborough district to check they have Covid-secure measures in place and to help tackle coronavirus (COVID-19) in the district.
 
Coronavirus grants
 
During the national lockdown, Harborough District Council has continued to work hard to get grants to businesses in the Harborough district affected by the restrictions.
 
We have so far paid out £5.4m across the district – a total of nearly 2,000 grants.
 
We are also distributed more than 65 test and trace support payments totalling £33,000.
 
Find out more about Covid-19 business grants on our website.

Vaccine survey
 
Are you ready for your Covid-19 vaccine? Or do you still have questions about it? Your local NHS wants to know if it can do more to help you feel reassured and confident about being vaccinated.
 
Please complete our survey at https://eu.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=g5gL%2BrPiw9LJb8sqNRKrDw%3D%3D 

You'll find all the latest information about the Covid-19 vaccine and the vaccination programme Leicestershire on the local NHS CCG website.

These include Covid-19 vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.
 
Become a Covid Health Champion
 
Residents are being empowered to become Covid-19 health champions and be a voice in their community to help keep people informed.
 
Covid-19 health champions will be kept up to date with the latest advice and guidance via WhatsApp - or another way if you'd prefer - so that you can help your family, friends and other community members to make sense of the latest facts about the virus.
 
You'll also have the opportunity to feedback what is and isn't working at monthly online catch-ups, which you can attend if you're able to and want to.

For more information and to register your interest visit: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/how-you-can-help/become-a-covid-19-health-champion

Interfaith support vaccine take up

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups have teamed up with Together in Hope to encourage people of all faiths and ethnicities to take the Covid-19 vaccine when their turn comes.
 
A selection of dual language videos have been created through the initiative to highlight key messages about the Covid-19 vaccine and are available in English, Arabic, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Pidgin, Polish, Punjabi, Somali and Urdu.
 
If you'd like to access the other languages, please visit: www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/my-health/coronavirus-advice/coronavirus-vaccine/coronavirus-vaccine-videos/
 
Further support

View www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information and support regarding coronavirus.
 
Don't lose your vote - there are many ways to have your say at polls 
 
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Elections for the Leicestershire County Council will be run in conjunction with elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire on 6 May 2021.
 
They will also be combined with a by-election for the Market Harborough Little Bowden Ward of Harborough District Council to fill a vacancy for one councillor and with the Neighbourhood Planning Referendums for Fleckney and Husbands Bosworth.
 
We will be running a briefing for prospective candidates for the County Council elections and District Council by-election remotely via Microsoft Teams on the 9th March commencing at 6:30pm .  Those joining the remote session will be provided with details of the nomination and elections process and have the opportunity to submit questions (via text).  
 
A link to the event will be published on the Council's website and publicised via the Councils social media links closer to the event date.
 
Police and Crime Commissioners Election
 
For more information regarding the PCC election or to find out about standing as a candidate visit www.leicspcc-election.co.uk 
 
Information for the Leicestershire Police Area, including the nominations process, is available from the lead authority North West Leicestershire
 
Leicestershire County Council Elections
 
For more information regarding the County Council elections visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/elections/election-2021-information
 
Harborough District Council By-Election
 
A by-election will be held to fill a vacancy for one councillor in the Market Harborough Little Bowden Ward.  Further information is available from the Elections Team.
 
Standing as a candidate in the local elections
 
To find out the qualifications for standing at local elections visit the Electoral Commissions website Local elections in England | Electoral Commission
 
Voting and your safety
 
We are working hard to ensure that the elections can go ahead in a Covid secure way.
 
Those attending a polling station on poll day with be asked to observe the Covid-19 government guidelines at the time and follow the advice from poll staff. Signage will guide you through the station safely and please remember to bring and wear your own face covering at all times (unless medically exempt). Remember to also bring your own pencil/pen to mark your ballot paper.
 
Please be assured we will be working with The Electoral Commission and Public Health bodies to use the most up to date guidance for your safety during the election period.
 
Postal and Proxy Voting
 
If you are shielding or concerned about attending a polling station to vote you may wish to apply for a postal or proxy vote (someone voting on your behalf). It is not too early to do this. You can download an application form by visiting The Electoral Commission site http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/how-cast-your-vote or contact the Elections Team
 
Voter Registration
 
Please note that the deadline to register to vote at these elections/referendum is Tuesday 19 April 2021.
 
If you are not registered or you have recently moved address, changed your name or nationality then please visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register by the deadline. You will need your national insurance number and reference your date of birth and any previous registration details (for example the address of your previous registration if you have recently moved).
 
If you need to check if you are on the electoral register please contact the Elections Team by emailing e.services@harborough.gov.uk or by calling 01858 821372.
 
Council approves its budget and tax rise amid financial challenges  
 
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Harborough District Council has approved its budget as it looks to tackle significant financial challenges over the year ahead.
 
Harborough District Council approved its budget, on 22 February 2021, which includes an increase in the district council's share of Council tax of £5 a year, per Band D household.
 
The Council needs to address an annual budget gap of around £4million as a result of increasing demand for services, reductions in Government grant, and unavoidable cost increases.
 
The Council has also lost significant revenue, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and has had to provide services in new and innovative ways, with a service cost to the Council of approximately £2.4m. Whilst this cost has been partly met by direct government support, a deficit to the Council of nearly £600,000 (£575k) remains. In addition, the Council is estimating that net losses from the collection of business rates will be £1.5m; although the Government is permitting the Council to spread this cost over the next three years.
 
In response; the Council's ongoing Budget Challenge 2025 (BC25) is aiming to 'transform' services, identify savings in all Council service areas, and generate long-term income to boost financial sustainability and resilience.
 
Read more here
 
Have you got your Census 2021 letter? It's time to complete your form
 
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Households across Harborough are being asked to take part in Census 2021.
 
Census day is on 21 March 2021, but households will now be receiving letters with online codes explaining how they can complete their forms.
 
If you don't get one in the next couple of weeks, please get in touch with the census contact centre. You can also request a paper questionnaire if you'd prefer to complete your census that way.
 
Local census support centres will be open while the census is happening. Staff will offer help for people not confident online, who don't have a computer or need help completing on paper.
 
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
 
For more information, and to find out how to get help, visit www.census.gov.uk or call the contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
 
Working hard to get people back into the workplace in challenging times
 
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The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has, without doubt, taken its toll on the local and national economy and that, in turn, has created challenges for employers and the jobs market.

Unemployment and people claiming benefits has seen a risen by over 100% since March 2020, and people need help to find jobs and get back into the workplace.
In recognition of these challenges, the District Council will be helping to promote Harborough Jobs Week between Monday 22 March – Sunday 28 March and would encourage businesses who have any employment opportunities to get involved. The plan is also to offer a range of workshops, webinars and one-to-one support sessions for individuals looking to get back into employment, in conjunction with various partners, during the week.
 
As well as this, our Economic Development Team can provide a one-to-one virtual call to for advice on apprenticeship opportunities, free webinars and workshops, wellbeing at work, and support with developing your transferable skills if you've recently been made redundant. Read more here or email business@harborough.gov.uk

We're also working with local employers and the Department for Work and Pensions to create local Kickstart Placements to help young people into six month paid work placements with local businesses. We're also looking at how we can support employers to turn these placements into apprenticeships to continue the development of young people and to keep them in employment after the placements have finished.

If you are a job seeker you may already be using the Job Centre however make sure you follow them on Twitter for job search on the go! Follow their dedicated social media feed for jobs in the area, events (including virtual job fairs) and essential careers advice.
For those considering starting up a new business, expanding a company in an innovative new direction, or thinking of relocating to the Harborough district – there are a wealth of opportunities and support available.

You might also consider opportunities at Harborough Market. Home to over 100 businesses a week, and with pop-up day rates starting from as little as £12.50, it is an affordable option for start-ups to test the water, to expand an existing business or to downsize in the current climate.

If you need a base for a new, or existing, enterprise – with in-house support from business experts, either the Harborough Innovation Centre or the Harborough Grow On Centre could be the platform you need. With access to an advisor to help develop your business strategy, products or services, and support to seek funding or collaboration opportunities, either of our modern Business Centre could provide the ideal base from which to grow and expand your business.
 
It's time for 'girl power' with over 50 virtual activities to try from home
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Join us to shake off winter and skip into spring with our month long 'This Girl Can' event – Move this March.

With over 50 sessions and no limit on how many classes you can book on to, you are free to pick and choose what you'd like to try. 

There are classes suitable for all ages and abilities and with classes ranging from mum and kid classes, beginners yoga, Barre, to Bhagra Blaze, Rave Fit and Soccercise you are sure to find something that grabs your interest.

This Girl Can believes that there's no "right" way to get active. 

So, ladies it is time to have some fun and feel great again!

Head over to our website to look at all of the sessions available, as well as further information on each session or book your place NOW here www.lrsport.org/events/2021/03/move-this-march-with-this-girl-can
 
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