COLUMN: ‘A positive focus’ by Leader of NKDC Coun Richard Wright

Whether it’s by clapping for the NHS and key workers, shopping for neighbours or simply showing kindness to others, the prevailing reaction to Coronavirus in our District has been to focus on the positive.

I too look for the good in this situation and can see many slivers of positivity - proverbial rays of light among the storm clouds – thanks to the response of our communities.

We’re working hard to maintain the services you need, from waste collection to help with housing issues. Some colleagues have been redeployed to new areas, learning extra skills while working for you, or supporting other vital functions.

We’ve also found solutions. Over the last four weeks we’ve transformed into a largely virtual network and we’re using new powers to push forward with Council business.

The first of our virtual meetings – NK history in the making – was a meeting of the Council on April 23 broadcast live on our website. We plan to run further virtual meetings over the coming weeks and information will be published in due course online.

We’re bringing glimmers of light to the most vulnerable through our partnership work in Wellbeing Lincs and the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum – made possible by volunteers.

More than 2,200 vulnerable individuals have received support through the Wellbeing Lincs network since launch – including people linked up with volunteer-led groups in North Kesteven which continue to amaze us with their efforts. Support includes making sure people have access to food, prescriptions and help with feelings of loneliness.

Meanwhile we have written to 11,000 vulnerable residents with assistance – so do be assured that this letter is from us if you receive one – in addition to phone calls where helpful. 

We’re also implementing a national scheme to reduce Council Tax for eligible residents, and have hardship funds in place to support Council Tax payers and social housing tenants in need.

The Government has committed money to help businesses and we’re distributing these grants in our District. As of April 22, we’d paid more than £16.2 million to 1,460 eligible small businesses and those in retail, hospitality and leisure.

Business owners tell us these grants are a shining light during this time and have thanked our team for the speedy processing of them. If you think your business is eligible, head to www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/businessgrants and fill in our form.

We’ve our eyes on the future and are making plans too for that all important recovery phase when normality can begin to resume, our District and economy can move forward and we can thrive together once more.

But, putting all these positives aside for a moment, sometimes the simplest of gestures can mean the most.

We’re lighting our Council offices in Sleaford blue every Thursday evening in appreciation of NHS and key workers, and our refuse teams are humbled by every note of thanks they find. Together, I’m certain we can keep up this one of a kind, wonderful NK brand of positivity.

Councillor Richard Wright is leader of NKDC