Goose Green councillors - how can we help?

[Abe_froeman]

can we assume that the Goose Green councillors no longer bother with this site?

[jamesmcash]

Hi all

I set up email notifications for this thread a while back but recently they have started going into my spam. Hopefully it's sorted now. But email is always a more reliable way to contact me.

Anyway, to answer your question rahrahrah, I am very keen to better promote cycle hire schemes. The issue is that, at the moment, most of them are quite unstable and are struggling to deal with vandalism. The industry is still very new and I think they're learning quickly though, so hopefully there will be more opportunity to bring them into East Dulwich soon.

Best wishes

James

[first mate]

James, do you know if SELDOC is being moved into the new Dulwich Hospital medical centre and if not what will be happening to this valuable service?

[jamesmcash]

It is indeed!

[jamesmcash]

I have had a few residents contact me about new LED streetlights outside their homes being too bright and disturbing them inside their homes. If you have experienced this then please email me to let me know, make sure you include your address!

Best wishes

James

[Rockets]

Cllr McAsh, you may have seen the on-going thread about the Healthy Streets proposals for Eynella Road, Court Lane, Townley Road etc and I am wondering whether you have any concerns that the constituents throughout your ward (and not just those you have been canvassing around Melbourne Grove on the issue) will be the ones to suffer from increased congestion and pollution as vehicles try to find a way around the proposed closures?

[Jakido]

I second this. What, if any, plans are there to reduce traffic to the east of lordship lane; the new parking restrictions in Peckham and E Dulwich station likely to lead to much more traffic roaming residential streets next to the lane.

[Abe_froeman]

Heh

[offspinner]

James,

Could you please read the thread about the impossibility of getting a parking permit for the new West Peckham CPZ here:

https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,2101431

and get them to sort it out?

Thanks.

[Ginster]

offspinner Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> James,

>

> Could you please read the thread about the

> impossibility of getting a parking permit for the

> new West Peckham CPZ here:

>

> https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?

> 5,2101431

>

> and get them to sort it out?

>

> Thanks.

Thanks, I was just coming here to ask the same. Especially now people are being told its impossible to pay from Apple devices?!?!

I haven't been able to get very far through the process and I'm not sure if next step is waiting for them to get back to me or if I need to do something.

[jamesmcash]

Hi all

Thanks for comments about the CPZ. I'm looking into it but if anyone has specific issues then could you email me with details?

On a separate note, I'd like to hear suggestions for what the council should do to support the community during COVID-19. I've made a thread here: https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,2103350

Best wishes

James

[Rockets]

James, you have yet to respond to my question on your concerns about the latest Dulwich Village traffic proposals creating traffic and pollution chaos for your constituents due to traffic diverting away from the affected area.

I am sure you can multi-task and respond to our questions about this issue whilst we all deal with Corona-virus and that you don't use it as an opportunity to try and change the narrative and ignore our questions/concerns.

[first mate]

It seems the Council are forging ahead with CPZ implementation, surely they could hold off until the Covid 19 emergency is over?

[TE44]

Hi James, Has there been anything set up for homeless at this time, where can they self isolate.

[macutd]

Yes please James could you look into this. Two members of my household have just been laid off.

first mate Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> It seems the Council are forging ahead with CPZ

> implementation, surely they could hold off until

> the Covid 19 emergency is over?

[jamesmcash]

Dear all,

Thanks for your comments and questions. Apologies for the lateness in replying ? everything at school has been very hectic but now we are operating a skeleton staff I will able to respond quicker.

Please note, I check my emails much more frequently than I check on here so if you need a response it?s always best to email

Onto your comments

Rockets ? I am indeed concerned that the measures being considered in Dulwich Village will simply displace traffic into Goose Green. And this is made worse by the covid-19 crisis ? people are simply not able to participate fully in the consultation. I have pushed for the consultation to be extended once there is more stability so that Goose Green residents can engage with it properly. I am also looking into whether other measures can be implemented across the ward. At the moment though the council?s resources are heavily weighted towards responding to the crisis ? as I am sure you will understand ? so these longer-term projects are not getting much attention right now. I will stay on top of it and keep you updated.

first mate ? I agree. We need as much stability as possible for the moment. I have pushed for the East Dulwich CPZ to be postponed and Cllr Livingstone is looking into it. I will let you know.

TE44 ? Yes, the council is doing work on homelessness. Here is the information I have had directly from the council:

The Housing Solutions service is fully operational with officers in work and providing services. The front facing service remains open and business as usual is in operation.

Every person sleeping rough has been offered accommodation and support on multiple occasions and the service is attempting to re-house all people sleeping on the streets of Southwark this week and then support these residents to remain in the accommodation provided.

The service can also provide online services for people who do not wish to leave a property they are occupying due to anxiety issues.

We are providing food and essential items for people who are homeless and currently do not have access to welfare benefits

Macutd ? I am really sorry to hear that. Please let me know if there is anything that I can.

Best wishes

James

[first mate]

James, thanks for your reply and appreciate that as a key worker you will have had a lot on your plate.

It is good to know you are receptive and taking action. Most of all we need to support the most vulnerable as well as our NHS workers.

I hope you also keep fit and well.

[jamesmcash]

Thanks first mate, much appreciated. I hope you are well too :)

[TE44]

Thanks James, can you tell me if this is over all boroughs, my friend is trying to find a family member who is homeless,and is hearing fines are being handed out to homeless. He was more central London I believe. Thanks.

[monica]

We had 2 homeless people in the shop looking displaced and disorientated, happy to hear their are measures to rehouse one of the most vulnerable groups in our community and society.

[jamesmcash]

Hi both

TE44 - I cannot speak for other boroughs I'm afraid. Southwark adopted this policy quite shortly into the crisis but now I understand that the government is asking all local authorities to ensure rough sleepers are given somewhere to live. Not sure how different boroughs are interpreting that though. It would be really sad if they were imposing fines on some of the already most vulnerable.

Best wishes

James

[Penguin68]

Please see the thread started by your fellow councillor Renata Hamvas on the (frankly, unprecedented and unjustified) closure of all cemeteries in Southwark. I would ask you and your fellow councillors to protest strongly to the Tooley St apparat on this, there is NO government requirement to close cemeteries (only crematoria to mass funerals) - the cemeteries locally offer alternative walking spaces to the parks, thus helping relieve and dangers of congestion and providing a vital outlet for those otherwise cooped up for 24 hours a day in social isolation.

Additionally for those recently grieving it allows some opportunity to visit loved-ones - a very necessary psychological prop for some.

Other boroughs are not following this wilful misinterpretation - we look to our elected representatives to fight our cause over this.

[jamesmcash]

Dear all

Penguin68 - I will look into this matter for you.

Two further updates from the council too.

First, financial support for residents. The council has suspended all debt recovery relating to council tax, businesses rates and council-related rent and service charge payments. We are asking anyone experiencing difficulty in making payments to the council to contact the council (https://www.southwark.gov.uk/council-tax/covid-19-help-and-advice) and we will try to help. This also applies to homeowners of council properties who are struggling with leaseholder payments.

Anyone who is unemployed or has experienced a sudden loss or interruption of income due to COVID-19 may be able to claim Universal Credit to support themselves. Residents who are unable to meet their household?s most urgent basic needs in the very short term can also apply for support from the Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS) (https://www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/emergency-support). If someone is struggling with rent payments, and they receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, they may be eligible for extra financial support through a discretionary housing payment(https://www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/housing-benefit/get-extra-help).

Second, the council is accepting vehicle registration marks from medical staff and making their vehicles exempt from enforcement in any permitted parking bays. The council has processed over 2,000 in the last week or so. If this applies to you and you want this mark then please get in touch by email: [email protected]

Best wishes

James

[Penguin68]

Penguin68 - I will look into this matter for you.

Thank you

[jamesmcash]

Hi all

Penguin68 - I have looked into the cemetery matter for you and have copied the council's reasoning below. Essentially it is a balance between the potential risks of busy cemeteries, and the health advantages accrued by allowing people to walk through them. I am no public health expert so I cannot make a firm judgement, but I have asked that Cllr Livingstone reconsult the guidance to make sure we have made the right decision

On March 26 2020 the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 came into force. Section 5 Paragraph 8 requires that crematorium and burial grounds be closed to members of the public, except for funerals or burials.

We have sought further guidance from the Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management (ICCM) and the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities and they confirm that these necessary measures must be adhered to during this emergency period.

We have seen an increase of leisure activities with the cemetery and crematorium grounds with social distancing measures not being observed and very little respect being given to the bereaved families attending a funeral who already are experiencing loss and controlled measures at what is a difficult time.

Further to this, an update from the council about support for local businesses (this is a few days old, but I have not shared it on here yet.)

Cash grants for businesses will be awarded over the coming weeks and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is now open for applications.

Further information on these schemes is included below, along with updates on other support measures and guidance for businesses.

Please help by sharing this message across your local business networks.

We will continue to provide updates by email and we will keep our business support web page (https://www.southwark.gov.uk/business/business-support-and-advice/covid-19-support-and-information-for-businesses-and-employers) regularly updated.

We know this is a very difficult time for the Southwark business community. If you have questions or concerns, please do contact us at [email protected]

Business grants

Business grants are now available for small businesses covered by the two schemes recently announced by the Chancellor.

The small business grant provides any business that is receiving small business rate relief with a cash grant of ?10,000.

The retail, hospitality and leisure grant provides businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a cash grant. Businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under ?15,000 will receive a grant of ?10,000 per property and businesses with a rateable value of between ?15,001 and ?51,000 will receive a grant of ?25,000 per property.

We are already making grants to eligible small businesses where we have the business?s bank account details. Payments should arrive in accounts from this Friday 27th March.

If you believe you are eligible for a grant, please provide your business bank account details securely by entering them here https://www.southwark.gov.uk/retailgrantform. We will then undertake any necessary checks before we begin payments.

Qualifying businesses will receive payment directly by bank transfer.

Business rates

We understand that many businesses will be experiencing financial hardship during these unprecedented times. Whilst instalments would be due in April and May please be assured that if you are unable to pay we will not be undertaking any recovery or enforcement activity for unpaid rates at this time. We will keep this under review and encourage businesses to contact us at an appropriate time to revise payment terms.

Government Job Retention Scheme

The government announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on Friday 20 March, which will provide support to all UK employers to continue paying part of their employees? salary for those employees that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. HMRC will reimburse 80% of the wages of all workers affected, up to a cap of ?2,500 per month. Payments will be backdated to 1 March and will be made available for at least three months. HMRC is working to set up a system for reimbursement.

To access the scheme you will need to:

? Designate affected employees as ?furloughed workers,? and notify your employees of this change. Changing the status of employees remains subject to existing employment law and, depending on the employment contract, may be subject to negotiation.

? Submit information to HMRC about furloughed employees and their earnings through a new online portal which is being set up.

The council will provide further updates on the process for accessing the scheme as soon as these are released.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme supports a wide range of business finance products and can provide smaller businesses with loans of up to ?5 million, with no interest for the first 12 months. The scheme provides the lender with a government backed guarantee of 80% of the loan and there is no fee for businesses accessing the scheme.

Businesses can access the scheme through participating lenders. You can find out more information about the scheme, eligibility criteria and how to apply on the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme website (https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils-2/).

Guidance for those who are self-employed

We are continuing to seek clarity from the government on support available to those who are self-employed.

We are currently aware of the following measures:

? Income tax deferral to January 2021 ? this will happen automatically and no application is required. No penalties or interest for late payment will be charged in the deferral period.

? HMRC Time to Pay scheme ? support is available to all firms and individuals who are in temporary financial distress as a result of COVID-19 and have outstanding tax liabilities. To access this support, please call HMRC?s helpline: 0800 0159 559.

You can claim Universal Credit if you are self-employed, providing you meet the usual eligibility criteria. From 6 April, the government will relax the requirements of the Minimum Income Floor for the duration of the outbreak. New claimants will not need to attend the job centre to demonstrate gainful self-employment. You can find more information in the government?s guidance on self-employment and Universal Credit (https://www.gov.uk/self-employment-and-universal-credit)

We are aware that support organisations are advising anyone who thinks they may need to apply for Universal Credit to do so as early as possible and we would echo this advice.

Free advertising in Southwark News

To support local businesses, Southwark News is offering free digital advertising during the outbreak. You can find out more on the Southwark News website (https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/comment/free-advertising-coronavirus-crisis/) and get in contact at [email protected]

I hope that this advice is useful.

Best wishes

James