Rugby council leaders thank staff for their hard work after 48,000 letters sent to residents explaining how they can get help

Cllr Seb Lowe, leader of Rugby Borough Council and leader of the Conservative Group, has been joined by Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, leader of the Labour Group, and Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, in a cross-party show of support for the work of the council to support the borough's most vulnerable residents.

Since the nation has been subject to restrictions on movement and on social distancing, many council staff have been re-deployed from non-urgent roles to support the council's response to coronavirus.

While essential services such as waste collections and the Lifeline service continue, other staff have transferred to help run the foodbank, set up and operate the council's Community Hub, and provide back up to telephone or other support services.

Meanwhile, support staff have sent out more than 48,000 letters via Royal Mail to every household in the borough. The letters explain how residents can get help if they need it during the current restrictions.

The group leaders said: "The dedication of the council's staff over the last few weeks has been nothing short of extraordinary.

"Whilst continuing with statutory responsibilities such as planning and environmental health, staff have completely reorganised council services to support people in financial difficulties, pay business support grants, house rough sleepers and homeless residents, and of course run the foodbank and create the Community Hub to support the most vulnerable with food and emotional support.

"Across all services, including back-office support services, staff have shown flexibility and creativity, all whilst also dealing with their own personal circumstances. We would like to acknowledge their effort and thank them, on behalf of all our communities."

Certain non-essential council services have been stopped and the group leaders added: "We would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding as services like grass cutting, gardening and leisure services are suspended. We hope that everyone will agree with us that these services can wait while staff support other parts of the council.

"As group leaders, we are jointly committed to doing what is right for Rugby: we will help the residents who need us the most."

Information on financial support, support for businesses, the foodbank, Community Hub and changes to council services can be found at www.rugby.gov.uk/coronavirus. Residents without access to the internet can call the council on 01788 533533.