Council taxes are a financial burden for some
THE measures brought in to tackle the coronavirus outbreak have clearly been significant and are having a major impact, both here in Hull and across the country.
They will be affecting all of our lives in some way, whether it has been through restricting where we can go and what we can do, the impact on work and businesses, or our home lives, particularly as households have adjusted to a new way of life with everyone at home.
While it is widely recognised there is a need for a strong response from a public health point perspective, the wider impacts cannot go ignored.
As local Liberal Democrat councillors, members of the Lib Dem group on the council have been making thousands of calls to residents across the city.
This has been a chance for us to speak to residents and make sure they are OK or if there is any support they need. Many have simply welcomed the opportunity for a chat, given those are rarer now than they were before.
We have also taken the chance to see what help they might need, whether it is getting food or medicines and spreading the word about the council’s coronavirus helpline number, 300307.
It is clear that in unprecedented times there is the need for unprecedented responses. This includes what comes from the Government by way of the support it provides.
While there have been actions taken by the Chancellor, we do feel more can be done. This is why we are calling for the Government to cover local residents council tax for the next three months. Our thanks to the many hundreds and hundreds of residents who have backed our campaign.
The financial impact of the coronavirus crisis is being felt by some households already, but undoubtedly many more will feel the effects in the months ahead. This is one simple way the Government could help households now.
These are times like the city has never seen before. With an extension to the lockdown measures announced, it is clear that the disruption to our daily lives will go on for some time yet.
I, along with my colleagues, have been heartened by the community response to the crisis, with so many people volunteering to help or simply looking in on their neighbours.
Of course, another demonstration of the community support for all those involved comes every Thursday evening, when we clap for the carers.
This, for me, is not just a thank you for those in care settings, but all those who are working hard to keep life going, key workers across a variety of services and businesses.
By coming together, we will be able to get through this better.
Keep safe.
Hull Liberal Democrat Group.