The COVID-19 pandemic has brought together all levels of government and the local community to support local people.
The County Council has been responsible for co-ordinating the local response to COVID-19. They have helped manage contact tracing and supported NHS partners to deliver testing. They have also delivered thousands of meals for vulnerable residents across the county.
The government has put in a huge number of measures to support jobs in Hitchin & Harpenden. 11,700 jobs in the constituency were protected under the furlough scheme; businesses received £19m in business grants and £52m in bounce back loans; and self-employed people received £12m in support.
They have also ensured that our District Council has the support they need to provide an immediate and effective response to the pandemic. Around £1.6m of government funding has been provided to NHDC.
Local MP Bim Afolami worked with ministers on the creation of a discretionary grant scheme, which enabled the District Council to provide a further £1.4m in grants to North Hertfordshire businesses not covered by previous grant schemes.
The local community also came together to ensure that vulnerable people and those affected by the virus had the support they need.
Reflecting on his own experience during the pandemic, District Councillor George Davies commented, “As the pandemic took hold, it was heartening to see the community spirit of Great Ashby come through. Overnight mutual support groups were formed both online and via apps such as WhatsApp, allowing people to stay connected and offer each other assistance where needed.
I had personal experience of this, having had to self-isolate during the early days of the pandemic, as one such group was kind enough to provide me with a thermometer so I could monitor my symptoms! I hope that even once the pandemic is eventually over this community spirit will remain.”
