Support Local with Fiver Fest
October 5, 2020
Eastbourne Christmas
October 20, 2020
Public Health England Update
Seven day rolling average has shown a significant increase. However, this should also be considered alongside increase in testing provision.
- Eastbourne 34 per 100,000 (from 6.7 per 100,000 on the 23rd September)
- Hastings 28 per 100,000
- East Sussex 31 per 100,000 (from 4.7)
- England 91 per 100,000
- UK 55 per 100,000 (from 35.5)
Usually spike in Eastbourne due to care home outbreaks or households. That has changed and now evidence of community spread – individuals spread out around Eastbourne with age profiles also changing. Mostly 17-30 year age group
Alert system and escalation framework. Brighton have increased theirs – but their rate is twice ours. For our area – it’s about emphasising current measures not introducing new ones.
How worried should we be? Following the same profile but starting at a much lower point. We are not on the same rates as those in Northern England. But seeing a steady increase. Do not be complacent.
Police Update
Have been working with pubs to enforce 10pm closing time. Also working with student at the UoB to enforce rule of 6 people. Message is getting through.
No Covid fines issued since June. This may change.
Marked increase in begging and rough sleeping in the town. County Lines focus is ongoing and arrests were made.
Street pastors are working at weekends to manage people leaving pubs at 10pm. The Police have had problems elsewhere but not in Eastbourne.
MP update
Rural and coastal support package to come. Assistance requested for digital exclusion support.
Parliament social distancing introduced. House Authorities are enforcing wearing of masks outside offices but not in the Chamber which is seen as a work place. Numbers in the chamber are very much reduced. CE asked them to send the right message by wearing masks in the Chamber / on television. No one likes wearing a mask but the MPs would set a good example.
It is recognised that CA wears a mask whenever she is out.
Caroline has met with the CCG with regards to the closure of the town centre walk in centre and her concerns still remain.
Understand fully concerns raised with regards to the challenges of the night time economy and hospitality sector. She has written to Rishi Sunak and asked for additional support.
EU settlement scheme is being extended for children needing care.
Eastbourne Borough Council Update
Brighton and Hove temporary accommodation placements – work taking place to resolve and reduce. It has been raised in Parliament, ESCC, press, public health consultant and CEO discussing with Brighton and Hove CEO They have received 9 notifications of further placements. Senior leadership team are meeting to decant out now that they have received funding for ‘next steps’ move.
BID made clear that the rough sleeping cohort from Brighton – need to move back to Brighton. EBC praised the partnership working of the BID ambassadors and Rough Sleeper Initiative over the weekend that engaged with a sleeper from Brighton.
BID stated that we would like charitable groups not to provide tents as they are left in the town centre. Provision is being made at present to store goods for a week.
Safer Streets project in the Redoubt area covers Pavilion Gardens. Security kit available to secure properties in the area.
Track and trace payments of £500 for people forced to self-isolate. EBC will roll this out next week via and online portal or phone call.
Extra funding will be available for small businesses if we go back into lockdown. In the region of £1000 per month.
Business continuity plan in place for council services.
Winter Garden is being refurbished and will be ready for next year. Congress hoped to open before April next year; including comedy, reduced Philharmonic Concerts and a musical.
Bandstand will open next summer.
BID and Business Update
- BID again raised concerns over the impact of the new restrictions on the night time economy. Effectively, many businesses have seen their incomes halved overnight. Was Government willing to support them further?
- BID requested increase provision in the morning to assist with homelessness
- Hotels are all enforcing mask rules and the restriction to 6 people. EHA are focused on reducing Covid spike in Eastbourne and avoiding another lockdown.
- Great engagement in Love Eastbourne Campaign. Big drop off in visitors now due to cooler weather. Larger hotels are planning to close over winter for the first time.
- The Job Support Scheme is too expensive for many businesses and many will not be able to benefit from it.
- 5% VAT extension is great; as are extended repayment periods for BBLS, CBLS and VAT. We asked for 5% VAT to become a permanent feature for the hospitality sector. Thanks were recorded to the government for these initiatives.
