2020/05/02 Useful contacts from Lancashire County Councillor, Phillippa Williamson
Some useful contacts for you
Lancashire County Council
T: 0300 123 6701
Minicom: 01254 220 666
E: enquiries@lancashire.gov.uk
Website: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/your-health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lancashirecc
twitter – @LancashireCC.
Lancashire Resilience Forum – you can follow them @LancsResilience.
Public Health England is continuing to publish confirmed cases of coronavirus, and give specifics for each part of the country, including Lancashire, on their gov.uk website.
Lancaster City Council
T: 01524 582000
E: customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk (for residents)
E: econdev@lancaster.gov.uk (for businesses)
NHS Status Checker – The Coronavirus Status checker was launched on the 4 April 2020. The information gathered will help the NHS to plan its response to the outbreak. You can more at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-asks-people-to-share-their-coronavirus-symptoms-to-help-others?
Highways – If you want to report a Highways fault you can do this on line at: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/report-it/
Household Waste – If you spot any fly tipping, please report this to Lancaster City Council on 01524 582000 or online at https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/forms/ShowForm.asp?fm_fid=228
Supporting Business – Businesses can find out more about the #AskforHelp online at www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/askforhelp, or call 0800 488 0057.
The Government has several financial support schemes to help businesses pay their bills and pay their staff. These include grants of £10,000 cash grant to small businesses, grants of £25,000 to those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors (subject to rateable value), increased Business Rates Relief, a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and support for the self-employed.
More information and links on how to apply for financial support is available on Lancaster City Council’s website or you can contact their business support team at
econdev@lancaster.gov.uk or 01524 582000.
Libraries – You can renew items on line at renewing online or using the automated phone line 0300 123 6704.
Help Paying Bills – If you’re struggling to pay your council tax the council can help, including restructuring your payments. You can do this by emailing ctax@lancaster.gov.uk. There is also a council tax support scheme for residents on low incomes. You may get up to 100% support in paying your bills. Residents in receipt of Universal Credit, are also likely to be eligible for full council tax support, More information is available from the customer services centre 01524 582000 or customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk.
Emergency Food – If you are aware of someone who needs help, you can find the contact details of people and organisations who can make a referral on www.lancasterdistrictcovid19.org.uk. If you don’t have access to the internet you can telephone the food hub on 01524 932001.
If you are just struggling to get out yourself to buy essential food, drink and household supplies, you can find a list of local retailers that are able to deliver at www.lmds.co.uk or phone 01524 932001.
Scams – Events such the coronavirus outbreak, bring out the scammers and fraudsters. Advice on scams is available on the Action Fraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk or you can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133.
Volunteering – There are many organisations that would welcome you as volunteers, either individually or as part of an organised group. Lancaster District CVS are coordinating volunteers to support community organisations across the district. To volunteer, you can phone the CVS or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/cvsvolunteers and fill in the form to register your interest.
If you are part of group providing mutual support at this time, and it hasn’t connected with either the CVS or the city council, please email civilcontingencies@lancaster.gov.uk so that they can support you in your work.
The County Council has published a new 7 minute briefing for use during the COVID-19 pandemic intended as an introduction to safeguarding guidance for volunteers at:
http://www.lancashiresafeguarding.org.uk/news/covid-19-and-safeguarding-for-volunteers.aspx
Job Opportunities – The County Council has launched a campaign to recruit more social care staff for Lancashire to meet the extra demand that the coronavirus crisis is creating. This will run over the next couple of weeks. If you know anyone who may be interested, information is at: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/jobs/carers/.