Update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Restrictions in Bolton
Information and FAQs about the current restrictions and guidance in the borough of Bolton are available on the council’s website, This will be updated regularly.
Government business announcement
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced a series of measures to support businesses today.
The NHS COVID-19 App launched today
The NHS COVID-19 App is a new tool designed to reduce the threat of coronavirus to our health, whilst helping to keep the doors of businesses open.
The app has launched today, Thursday 24 September, and will simplify the Test and Trace process by enabling the public to automatically ‘check into’ a venue. They will then get alerted if they have recently visited a venue where they have come into contact with someone with coronavirus. It is also a legal requirement for certain businesses to display a QR code poster so that customers can check in safely and securely.
The tool is quickly set up by completing an online form, printing and displaying a QR code poster and requesting that all visitors scan this on arrival at your premises.
It is the law for business owners to prepare for the launch by following these steps:
- Create a QR code for your venue online https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
- Print and display the poster by the entrance(s) to your premises
- Encourage visitors to scan the poster on arrival to your venue
- Provide an alternative process to collect data for individuals without a smartphone or access to the app.
The following sectors are legally obliged to maintain a log of their customers and visitors and will need to display the QR poster and use the app:
This applies to:
- Pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality settings open to the general public – these are currently closed under the Bolton Regulations or providing takeaway service. They will need to use the app once they are allowed to re-open.
- Tourism and leisure venues including hotels, museums, leisure centres, gyms, cinemas etc.
- Close contact services including hairdressers, barbers, tailors, beauty salons etc. Some close contact services are advised to remain closed in Bolton.
- Facilities provided by council, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres.
- Places of worship, including use for events and other community activities.
Prime Minister’s announcement
The government has announced further national measures to address rising cases of coronavirus in England.
Further guidance and information may be issued this week and we’ll email about that separately.
Guidance for schools and colleges about the NHS Covid App
The government has issued guidance about the NHS Covid App for leaders and staff in schools and further education colleges in England that have students aged 16 and over.
The app is available to download for anyone aged 16 and over if they choose to do so.
It will mean that some students in year 11, and the majority of students in years 12, 13 and in FE colleges will be eligible to use the app and benefit from its features. Staff members will also be able to use the app.
For some young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents will need to decide whether or not their use of the app is appropriate.
This document is intended to provide information to senior leaders in education about the app and how it works, and to set out guidance for its use within schools and FE colleges in England.
Package of support for students who have to defer their studies
The government has introduced a package of support for students who have to defer their studies until next year.
The package of support provides opportunities to:
- gain new skills
- undertake work placements in the public, private and voluntary sectors
- undertake additional learning
- get career development support
Support for tenants
Your landlord can now take court action to evict you if your notice has ended.
Your landlord might have to give you extra notice to leave before they can go to court to evict you. This is because the government has made a change to the law about eviction notices to help people deal with coronavirus.
For most tenancy agreements, if your landlord serves you notice on or after 29 August 2020, until at least 31 March 2021, they must provide you with at least 6 months’ notice for most grounds (including Section 21 notices), except in certain serious cases.
If your landlord gave you notice from the 26 March to 28 August 2020, the required notice period was 3 months.
There is help for tenants, who may face eviction, on the council’s website.
The government has also provided updated guidance for landlords and tenants
Closure order barbers back open after cutting out unsafe practices
A barbers, that was forced to closed for breaching COVID-19 regulations, has been allowed to reopen after putting measures in place to protect customers and staff.
Environmental Health Officers from Bolton Council served Scott’s Barbers, in Horwich, with an immediate closure order on Friday, September 11.
However, after making the required changes, Scott’s Barbers was told it could reopen from Friday, September 18. Council officers will continue to visit the premises to ensure it remains compliant.
Grundy Fold Farm: Virtual planning inquiry to open next month
A public inquiry into a refusal of planning permission and a planning enforcement notice served against homes at Grundy Fold Farm, Horwich will be held virtually next month.
The hearing will open on Tuesday, October 6 at 11am and anyone wishing to take part is asked to contact the Planning Inspectorate.
The inquiry follows an appeal by Elendra Raja against the refusal of planning application 05083/18 and the enforcement notice issued by Bolton Council’s planning department
The enforcement notice alleges that five dwellings and a garage building were built on the site without proper planning permission, along with alterations to land levels. The planning refusal was on Green Belt and landscape grounds.
Anyone wishing to participate or observe can do so via Microsoft Teams (an account is required) or by telephone (calls are to an 020 number, which will incur charges).
Tickets for key workers to next year’s Rugby League World Cup
England will be hosting next year’s Rugby League World Cup with two matches to take place in Bolton. The best 16 teams around the world will be battling for the title and England will be hoping for revenge for the narrow 6-0 loss to Australia in the 2017 final.
In recognition of their incredible efforts, the organisers would like to give free tickets to key workers so they can attend the matches
The application process has opened and will have until the 13 October 2020 complete their application.
Key workers can apply for tickets on the World Cup website.
For the latest updates
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