Lewes deputy council leader holds online Q&A on response to coronavirus pandemic

In the first of what is set to become a regular Facebook Live broadcast this morning (Tuesday, March 24) , Cllr James MacCleary answered residents’ questions on housing benefits, waste collections and support for businesses during a 30-minute session.

He said the council is doing “everything we can” to support residents and businesses and urged anyone seeking information to visit the council’s website (www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk) to find out more.

Cllr MacCleary also praised the formation of volunteering groups since the beginning of the pandemic and said the council was working to coordinate these local groups

He said: “In this changing situation our priority is to make sure that not only are volunteers being kept safe but also that vulnerable people are, and proper safeguarding is being followed and data protection is being adhered to.

“Sadly there have been a few isolated examples of people trying to scam older people and we are very keen to make sure our volunteers are not being exploited in any way. 

“It is important we get the balancing act right but we are doing everything we can to support volunteers because they are going to perform an enormously important role as we go forward.”

During the session, Cllr MacCleary confirmed household waste and recycling collections are continuing,  but that bulky waste collections had been suspended. Residents would also not be able to order new wheelie bins for the time being, he said.

He also addressed questions around housing and housing benefits and again urged anyone with questions to contact the council online, by phone or by visiting its website.

He said: “We are really, really keen we are providing reassurance on housing in particular. People have just been told to stay in their homes, therefore one of the most important things we can do is to make sure their homes are secure and they don’t feel any anxiety about that. 

“We are providing support. We are providing different kinds of financial support to people if they need it to feel secure in their own homes. Just get in touch if you have any questions about that.”

Cllr MacCleary confirmed the council is still accepting new housing benefit claims as well as processing existing claims and that its housing team had been declared key workers by the government. 

Information for businesses and the support they would eligible for is also available online, he said, but that the council is waiting for information from government on some of the recently-announced measures.

These included the support grants for small businesses hit by the pandemic, he said.

He recommended businesses also visit the Locate East Sussex website, as well (https://locateeastsussex.org.uk).

Cllr MacCleary also confirmed the council would be closing its play areas in line with government guidance but would keep its parks open for people to exercise once a day.

However, he urged people to observe social distancing and to use their “common sense”. 

Cllr MacCleary said: “We will be shutting things but as you all know we are not going to be putting 20ft walls up around our playgrounds and skate parks, so we just need some common sense from people and for people to look after each other.

“I think the key message from us – and the volunteering we’ve seen has been a fantastic example of this happening – is we just need to look after each other at the moment.”

To watch the whole broadcast, go online to: www.facebook.com/lewesdistrictcouncil

Further Q&A sessions are expected to be broadcast over the coming days.