During this challenging period, our community has shown a great strength, resilience and determination to defeat this virus.
Our collective effort, including the work of our amazing front-line responders, has enabled us to move past the peak of this disease. During that time, our health system was not overwhelmed, with enough spare beds, ventilators and hospital capacity at all times.
Guided by the science and data, we can now move towards a phase of recovery and make changes to the existing measures. As we do so, the government will set up a system of Covid-19 Alert Levels, which will be overseen by a new Biosecurity Centre designed to assess the spread of the virus.
More now than ever, to keep the infection rate down, the good common sense of the British people is needed. That is why staying alert and controlling the virus is so important.
By continuing to follow the social distancing measures, washing your hands regularly and keeping up to date on the government advice, we can make progress. We have risen to the challenge so far, to emerge beyond it - more now than ever, we must work together.
I will continue do all that I can to support our community through this difficult time and as ever, if you need my assistance, please do get in touch via sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk
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NHS Coronavirus advice
Covid-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called Coronavirus.
Stay at home if you have either:
- a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them that you're staying at home.
Go to NHS.uk/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself.
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Testing
The Government have rapidly expanded the UK testing capacity, with the target of 100,000 tests per day being met by the end of April.
You can apply for a test if you are:
- an essential worker with coronavirus symptoms
- aged 5 or over with coronavirus symptoms
- someone who cannot work from home and has coronavirus symptoms (for example, construction workers or delivery drivers)
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can apply if they live with an essential worker, a person aged 65 or over, or someone who travels to work.
You can also apply for a test if you have a clinical referral from NHS 111 online.
There is a permanent testing site at the Worcester Sixways Rugby Stadium. There are also mobile testing units that operate in different locations in Worcestershire, depending on the week.
You can apply for a test here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test
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Support for Businesses and the Self-Employed
The Chancellor has pledged to do whatever it takes to support the UK economy.
The government has announced an unprecedented support package - amongst the most comprehensive in the world.
Businesses can be eligible to benefit from:
✅ Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), all UK employers on a PAYE system will be able to access support to continue paying 80% of the salary of furloughed employees. This scheme has now been extended until October 31st.
✅ Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), small and medium sized businesses can access loans of up to £5 million.
✅ Coronavirus Bouce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), businesses can access 100% government backed loans, of up to £50,000.
✅ Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), large businesses with an annual turnover of over £45 million, can apply for up to £50 million of finance. The Chancellor has announced that this will be increased to £200 million, next week.
✅ VAT deferral for three months and access to Time to Pay, to support cash flow and outstanding financial liabilities.
✅ The Future Fund, will issue convertible loans between £125,000 and £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. This scheme is now open for applications.
✅ And much more, including Statutory Sick Pay Rebate, small business grants and support for the retail, leisure and hospitality industry. You can find more information here and the business support finder tool.
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Support for the Self-Employed
On March 26th, the Chancellor announced a package of support for the self-employed. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has now opened ahead of schedule and applicants can receive payments within six days of approval.
✅ Self-Employment Income support scheme (SEISS), a grant for self-employed individuals, worth 80% their profits, up to £2500 per month. More information on claiming a grant is here.
✅ Income Tax Deferral and access to Time to Pay, income tax payments due in July 2020, will be deferred to January 2021.
✅ Suspension of the Minimum Income Floor for 12 months, self-employed individuals can now access, in full, Universal Credit at a rate that is equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay for employees.
For the latest guidance, advice and support available to the self-employed, please do visit, here; or get in contact via telephone 👇🏽
Business Support Helpline: 0300 456 3565
HMRC: 0800 024 1222
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Support in Bromsgrove
Worcestershire County Council Here2Help Scheme:
Worcestershire County Council have set up a dedicated support scheme for residents who are self-isolating. Furthermore, individuals and businesses can also register any support they may be able to provide.
The forum is available to contact here or via telephone on 01905 768053.
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Local support and volunteering:
Bromsgrove residents have pulled together to look out for the most vulnerable in our community. There has been a fantastic response so far, with hundreds of volunteers offering their support and help.
If there are any organisations that you would like me to include in future emails, please do let me know via sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk
Bromsgrove District Community Support Group:
A volunteer group, supporting those who are self-isolating in Bromsgrove District. You can get in contact on Facebook here or via telephone on 01527 306490
Catshill Community Support Group:
A volunteer group, supporting those who are self-isolating in Catshill. You can get in contact here.
Clent Community Support Group:
A volunteer group, supporting residents in Clent. You can get in contact on Facebook here or via email at rpadmore@opening-doors.org.uk
Fairfield Village Community Association:
A residents support group operating in Fairfield, Wildmoor and Stoneybridge. You can get in contact on Facebook here, on their website or via telephone on 01527 833583.
Lickey and Blackwell C19 Support Group:
A volunteer support group, operating in Lickey and Blackwell. If you need help with shopping or just want a chat, you can call 07930 837770 or email lickeyandblackwellc19@gmail.com
Romsley & Hunnington Coronavirus Support:
A volunteer group, supporting residents in Romsley & Hunnington. You can get in contact via mobile on 079079 76915.
Wythall Parish Council
The Parish Council is co-ordinating a group of volunteers to support eldelry and vulnerable members of the community. You can email cvhelp@wythall-parish-council.org.uk or call 07584 058549.
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The Department for Education have released their guidance on the next steps for the reopening of childcare and educational settings.
I have raised the unique circumstances of the three-tier school system in Bromsgrove with Schools Ministers at the Department for Education and I will continue to seek further guidance for local residents.
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On Friday, May 8, we paid tribute to our greatest generation by commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
It was fantastic to see the effort local residents made to commemortate this occasion, with many enjoying the occasion virtually and on their doorstep.
I would like to pay a special thanks to the veterans in our local area and the Bromsgrove Royal British Legion.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 210002MMR2 www.byphotos247.com
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Bromsgrove Rugby Club are fundraising for NHS charities and the club by attempting the 'Around the World in 80 days' challenge.
All ages are getting involved, as they attempt to walk, run, cycle and swim 25,000 miles in 80 days!
You can keep up to date with their progress here.
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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and theme is kindness.
These are challenging times and talking to others about how we are feeling and reaching out to those in need has never been more important.
I have produced a free information booklet on how to take care of your mental health during this crisis. It is available on my website at: https://www.sajidjavid.com/news/mental-health-awareness-week-2020
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Mental Health Week UK
20 May 2020
These are challenging times and talking to others about how we are feeling and reaching out to those in need has never been more important.
Letter from Westminister: Sajid Javid MP
20 May 2020
Our collective effort, including the work of our amazing front-line responders, has enabled us to move past the peak of this disease.
Sajid Javid Sky News Interview
8 May 2020
Sajid Javid joined Sky News Political Editor, Beth Rigby, to discuss the coronavirus and its effect on the economy.
Almost £1m extra funding given to Bromsgrove District Council
6 May 2020
Extra funding of almost £1million has been given to Bromsgrove District Council by the government to help the local authority through the coronavirus crisis.
Sajid Javid MP: Bromsgrove Advertiser Column
5 May 2020
Last week, after his own battle with coronavirus, the Prime Minister returned to Downing Street to take the helm once again – and what a return it has been.
Sajid Javid MP welcomes boost in West Mercia Police Numbers
4 May 2020
West Mercia Police has been bolstered with an additional 73 officers since the government launched its major recruitment drive in September 2019.
£13.4 million paid to small businesses in Bromsgrove
29 April 2020
Small Businesses in Bromsgrove District Council have received over £13.4 million in funding, as part of the government’s response to Covid-19.
Sajid Javid MP urges businesses to apply for the CJRS:
24 April 2020
Former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid has urged businesses across the district to apply for the Government’s Job Retention Scheme.
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How to Contact Sajid:
I'm holding surgery meetings (by phone). If you need to contact me, you can find the details below.
By post:
The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP
House of Commons,
London,
SW1A 0AA
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