The latest Council update on Covid and various other matters is below:
"This update covers the repayment options for residents affected by the council tax rebate issues together with the usual sources of support for financial advice, the latest Covid position, UKREiiF 2022 and a round-up of developments.
Council tax rebate - repayment options
We are writing to all 25,000 residents who have been affected by the Council Tax rebate being paid to them twice, which was due to a third-party processing error. A copy of the letter sent to these customers is attached and further information on the Council Tax rebate can be found on our website.
- If a resident can pay the £150 back by 3rd June, then they are able to pay this via Bank Transfer or via PayitTM (a free service offered by NatWest, that any customer can use).
- For any resident who has not paid the £150 back before 3rd June, we will adjust the resident’s monthly council tax direct debit payments over the remaining months of the year to make the £150 repayment in instalments until the full amount is paid back. Those affected will receive a new council tax bill including the adjusted monthly amounts.
If residents need help with council tax or if residents are struggling to make payments, there is advice here or visit a Leeds City Council Community Hub. For anyone who needs broader support about budgeting and money management, visit the Leeds Money Advice Centre website for information or contact the national called MoneyBuddies.
Our apologies for any confusion and inconvenience caused by the duplicate payments, caused by a third party processing error. We hope the letter and arrangements to affected residents will help ensure that the incorrect payments are repaid as quickly as possible.
Covid position (as usual, rates reflect a significantly reduced testing regime)
- The latest data from the ONS infection survey covering the period 1st - 7th May 2022 estimates that 2.7% of the Leeds population tested positive for Covid 19. In Yorkshire and Humber the percentage infected is 3% and 2.21% in England (1 in 45 people) would test positive for Covid-19. These are both reductions from the previous week.
- In line with the Covid rate, there has been a reduction in the number of settings reporting cases, on the number of patients in hospital with Covid, and on the number of deaths.
- Vaccination uptake as of the 9th of May – latest available report
- Over 610K people have had a 1st vaccination (77.7% of eligible GP registered).
- Over 579k people have had a 2nd vaccination (73.7% of those currently eligible).
- Over 408k people have had a 3rd / Booster vaccination (72.5% of those currently eligible).
Key message remains the same: continue to promote vaccinations being the most important thing you can do, here are details of where you can get your vaccination. We want as many people as possible having all doses they’re eligible for before Winter. Please also continue with handwashing and general good hygiene measures.
UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF 2022)
Next week Leeds is hosting the first ever UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). The event aims to drive economic growth and connect the public sector, developers, investors and end-users together – helping to forge relationships that generate inward investment, support regeneration and drive inclusive economic growth. The event runs from 17th to 19th May, with about 4,000 attendees expected, and further information can be found here.
Local News
- The Regent Street Flyover fully opens after two years of works on 13th May.
- It has been announced that the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Leeds on 12th July this year.
- As part of Foster Care Fortnight, we have announced a recruitment target of 80 more foster carers over the next 12 months.
- Housing Leeds send regular email updates to tenants, sharing key messages about their service and other help, support and useful information. A copy the of latest update, shared with tenants on the 6th May is available to view here.
- Migration Yorkshire have published a policy briefing on the Ukraine Schemes which is available on their website.