Over the past couple of months, I know that Molesey residents have been making a real effort – and great sacrifices – in following government guidance on COVID-19. Thanks to you, and despite the tragic loss of life we have seen across the country, we slowed the spread of the virus and the NHS was not overwhelmed.
We must not relent now, or else there is a real risk of a second peak of the disease that could overwhelm the NHS and throw away all of our achievements to date. The challenge is to find a way forward that preserves the hard-won gains, while easing the burden of the lockdown.
This is the purpose of the new COVID-19 Recovery Strategy.
It sets out how we can gradually ease the lockdown, guided by a Covid Alert Level System which will monitor our progress. For now, we must stay alert, control the virus and save lives. You can check the latest guidelines by searching “coronavirus” on the GOV.UK website.
As we begin to look to this next stage, it is encouraging to see how the government’s economic support package has been helping our communities through this difficult time.
For example, Elmbridge Borough Council has received £667,672 to support economically vulnerable people and households. Most of this will be used to provide Council Tax relief. Local businesses are also receiving support. Of the £24m that Elmbridge has received to provide grants to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, more than £21m had been distributed to 1,533 business properties by 17 May. Changes to the business rates system will also see local businesses receiving a government-funded £27.5m discount on their rates bills this year. For my part, I am working to make sure that residents have the support they need at this difficult time. I have recently discussed the local healthcare response with the Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership and volunteered with The Besom in Esher to deliver essential supplies to vulnerable individuals
I will continue to volunteer locally in the weeks ahead. If there is anything I can help with, you can get in touch at dominic.raab.mp@parliament.uk.