Published: Saturday, 30th January 2021

Dear friends

This week’s sobering news of 100,000 deaths to the virus across the UK, concentrates the mind on the mammoth task at hand. Beyond the pandemic, a further herculean effort will be required to rebuild our economy, way of life and wellbeing. We’re encouraged through witnessing as we do, the care and attention being given by so many unsung heroes across all walks of life, that ultimately by continuing our work together, we will prevail. 

The local Covid tally is currently improving with our extraordinary hospitals and NHS teams holding-up, while infection rates have continued to edge lower from 292 to 240 cases per 100,000 residents. Let’s please continue to stay at home if possible, and follow the guidance to save lives. Remember too that one in three people carrying the virus do not show any symptoms. So, if we have to leave our homes, then best that we act as if we’ve got Covid.  To be safe, we’re fortunate to be able to easily book regular tests that take just 15 minutes.

The vaccination programme is in full swing boosted by the centre at Stoneleigh opening this week. Thank you to all the volunteers who have signed up to assist the NHS in running these vaccination centres and ensuring that initially our most frail and vulnerable residents are properly supported in receiving their ‘hope restoring’ jabs. For our part, throughout a week of bad weather we’ve been pleased to provide transport for those who have needed this additional support. Keep updated with the weekly NHS vaccine progress.

Many businesses are bravely hanging on, so we’re moving as quickly as possible to distribute further grants. Today the ARG (part D) scheme closed, with some 550 applications received and circa 150 grants already paid. We’ll be announcing the next scheme shortly to get further support to non-rated businesses. Our website is being regularly updated, so please visit to find out what is available for your business and how to apply. Remember too for our charities support grants of up to £3,000 are still available.

If you drive an electric vehicle (or maybe considering converting to one) then it is about to get a whole lot easier with the good news that a further 40 charging points will soon be installed in our car parks across the district. This is another important step in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Despite Covid we’re pressing on with our plans to be a carbon neutral district by 2030.

In a sign of the times, we’re pleased that this week Warwick District YouTube clocked-up more than 8,000 views! 65 council committee meetings averaged 123 views which is amazing and certainly not something we experienced in pre-lockdown. Maybe a ‘silver lining’ of the pandemic is that your local government has become so much more accessible, which can only be good for the future of community life.

Looking ahead, Race Equality Week is an opportunity for us all to join efforts to unite organisations and individuals in positive activities to address issues affecting ethnic minority employees. Providing an inclusive environment for all of our employees and residents is a priority for us. It is good for the council; it is good for our amazing officers and councillors, it’s also vital for a healthy and vibrant future.

We’re mindful that the 2022 Commonwealth Games provides a perfect platform for us all to celebrate our rich and diverse cultures as we welcome visitors from across the World. So we were delighted by news that the National Lottery Fund and the Arts Council England have awarded £6m this week for a cultural festival to showcase the area’s ‘rich diversity’. Remember it’s just 544 days until the Opening Ceremony!

Finally, if you’re looking for work there are around 850 jobs now available at a laboratory in Leamington as part of the UK’s NHS Test and Trace programme. Laboratory support technicians are needed at the high output diagnostics laboratory. The technicians will provide support with testing the coronavirus samples when they arrive through processing and storage, and will work with junior and senior laboratory technicians and biomedical scientists. Details of the fixed-term contracts are available.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council

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