More businesses in Warwick District impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic are
being encouraged to apply for a discretionary grant though a new scheme being launched by Warwick District Council.
The new scheme which opens on Monday 1 March, is primarily aimed at rated
and non-rated businesses who have been unable to access funding through
previous support programmes.

Through the Part E Discretionary Scheme businesses operating in Warwick
District who meet the following criteria could be eligible for a grant of £3000;
• Must have been trading on or before 4 November 2020
• Can demonstrate a loss in business due to Covid-19
• Are not eligible for or in receipt of a grant through the Additional
Restrictions Grant (ARG) Scheme Part D or Retail, Hospitality, Leisure
LRSG scheme
Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business & Finance, Councillor
Richard Hales said:
“After almost a year of restrictions and lockdown, we are aware that many
businesses in our district are almost on their knees. 
Throughout this time the Council’s finance and business support teams have worked tirelessly to ensure that these companies get access to any funding available. Despite this effort we know that many have been excluded. 
We therefore hope that this new grant will finally give these organisations the vital help they need.”

The Council is also introducing a separate new scheme for Taxi Drivers with
more details being announced soon.

For full details of the grant scheme including the eligibility criteria, visit
www.warwickdc.gov.uk/discretionarygrantfund.
Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 12 March.

Its possible (if you haven't already had it) people over 65 may get there letters or contacted in the coming week to go for your vaccination, I know we are moving on really well in our area and the process is working great.
Please remember anyone can go and be tested at the rapid flow testing facility in Lillington , you can make an appointment or just turn up. There are no limits on how many times you can be tested and I know some people ahead of the vaccine are having the test regularly. 
Here is a new link that will provide you with additional information

www.southwarwickshireccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/COVID-19-Vaccination

Finally if you do get a letter but have transport issues take up the offers of support via RVS or myself and we will help to sort something out but lets get you sorted
Have a good week and keep safe

Unfortunately
there appears to be yet another new scam around, the way it works is like this.
You may get a phone call saying that your NATIONAL INSURANCE number is being used by fraudsters and that they need to check some information with you. Then it takes you via an automated system to get your details.
The number used to call you is a mobile type of number rather than a landline.
DO NOT ENGAUGE and ask yourself this?

• How did they get my phone number from my National Insurance number details?
• How did they get may National insurance number to know it’s me?

The objective is to get you to confirm your NI number, your address and other details and once they have this important information, they will link it all together for whatever scam they are involved in.
If your National Insurance number is hijacked it is likely you will be written to and you certainly will not be asked to reveal this information over the phone.
 
TAKE CARE DONT GET CAUGHT 

Many of you may be aware that there will be election for both Warwickshire County Council and the position of Police & Crime Commissioner for our area.
Voting is really important and whilst there will be well published precautions should you wish to visit the polling station; I accept some people may not be comfortable with this.
A great option is to register for a postal vote, so you can vote in the safety of your own home and attached is the link to the form you require all you need to do is complete and sign it (one for each person) and forward it to
Electoral Registration.
Warwick District Council
Riverside House
Milverton Hill
Leamington
CV32 5HZ
Use it don’t lose it in May
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-01/Postal%20vote%20aplication%20form.pdf