Cllr Ed Davie, Lambeth council cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “As everyone can see Coronavirus is a huge challenge to every aspect of life in Lambeth as elsewhere. The council is working extremely hard with our NHS, voluntary sector, businesses and other partners to limit health, social and economic harm to our residents and to plan for what comes next.
“Currently our offices, libraries and leisure centres are open, and our waste collection services are unaffected, but this situation is being reviewed on a daily basis and is likely to change. We are updating the community as the situation progresses.
“We’re prioritising supporting our most vulnerable residents that includes over 4,000 frail elderly and disabled people who require care. We are treating our agency staff as permanent so they will be paid if sick or self isolating.
“Businesses face unprecedented uncertainty which is why we have written a joint letter with Brixton Business Improvment District (BID) and the six other Lambeth BIDs, to the chancellor calling for far greater action to save our local economy.
“We are urgently examining what steps we could take in terms of council tax and business rate relief to people facing hardship but we must also secure income to fund vital social care and other services.
“As always Brixton and Lambeth are showing that we are a strong, united and resilient community.
“Residents’ groups are springing-up throughout the borough seeking to support neighbours.
“In Brixton and elsewhere in Lambeth our ward councillors are part of those groups and helping share the right information, and sign posting where needed.
“Age UK Lambeth and other community groups are working alongside us in supporting vulnerable residents.
“We are asking volunteers to be careful not to inadvertently spread virus or enable people to be exploited: don’t get involved if you have symptoms, wash hands thoroughly and wear gloves if leafletting or delivering food, stay very local, click and collect services rather than cash exchange are all sensible practices.
“We know food banks are running short so we are urging people to donate goods and money.
“The council will be posting up to date information online about the impacts on services and I urge residents to log on so they are up to date with the latest local information.”
https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/elections-and-council/about-lambeth/coronavirus-covid-19-information
I am self isolating and cannot get food delivered
What happens to rents from those in council accommodation and flats as some are most likely not to receive pay due to early closures or reduced hours at the moment and are most likely not able to afford full payment at the end of the month?