We are all aware of the continuing difficult period that is being experienced by everyone across Westminster. I want to assure you that your local councillors will continue to provide whatever support or advice is needed in the coming weeks.
Many of you are contacting us, often with offers of help, for which we are very grateful. If you need our assistance, or have concerns about a vulnerable neighbour or relative, then do get in touch by e-mailing Westminster Connects or by phoning the new dedicated number 020 7641 1222 from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.
Council Services
The Council has now given over 4,000 parking dispensations for NHS staff and other key workers to allow them free parking in the city during this period. We will continue to do everything we can to support these essential services.
Supporting our NHS
The Council has now given over 4,000 parking dispensations for NHS staff and other key workers to allow them free parking in the city during this period. We will continue to do everything we can to support these essential services.
Westminster Connects
There are now 2,500 volunteers and over 40 organisations supporting people in Westminster. We have produced an interactive map which shows the locations of organisations that offer help to residents across the city. The map also shows the location of nearby supermarkets and pharmacies. The map and list of organisations will continue to be updated and you can view it here.
The range of services that are being offered expands as requests come in for help. Westminster Connects has already been in touch with nearly 2,000 people. A weekly direct shopping service is now available with our volunteers collecting and delivering shopping to those that cannot get out from their homes. This service is now supported by Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. There is also a wellbeing service and a befriending service available to support local people. There are almost 500 volunteers engaged in activities each day with the numbers rising as the requests come in.
Small Business Grants
The Council has now given out the Government funded business grants to nearly 3,000 businesses paying out a total approaching £50 million. These are grants of £10,000 and £25,000 pounds to small and medium sized businesses. The Council is working as fast as possible to ensure that we can disperse the remainder of grants as soon as possible. If your business is eligible, there is no need to contact us, we will seek to make payment as soon as possible with the majority of payments being made by next week.
Working Together
Your local councillors are there to support everyone in the community and, by working together, we will get through this. Please don’t hesitate to contact us during this period. We will do all that we can to help you and your neighbours.
Cllr Rachael Robathan
020 7730 8181
