East Suffolk Council
COVID-19
Latest information relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, including details about vaccines, the support available to residents, businesses and other organisations, and any changes which have been made to council services as a result.
We are working as hard as we can, with the support of partners and local communities, to ensure that we continue to deliver essential services and that help is available for everyone who needs it.
Vaccines
Residents of East Suffolk receive NHS care from two different providers, depending on where they live. People living in the former ‘Waveney’ district are served by Norfolk & Waveney, while the remainder of East Suffolk (and the county) is served by Suffolk & North East Suffolk. Recognising this ‘split’ service, a new county-wide vaccines page has now been established by Suffolk partners which provides a full range of information about the programme across the entire county.
Community funding
East Suffolk Council has set up a Hardship Fund to offer community funding to new and existing groups who are working to support vulnerable people during the crisis. More information, including how to apply.
Council properties
The Housing Maintenance team will continue to carry out routine and emergency repairs whilst abiding by the Government guidelines. The team will call tenants in advance where access to their home is necessary and ask if they are happy to them to attend and able to assist by locating to an alternative room whilst works are undertaken.
If you need any further advice or support, please call our Tenant Services Team on 01502 523593.
Customer Services
In accordance with the latest Government restrictions, East Suffolk Council’s Customer Service Centre at the Marina in Lowestoft will be closed for face to face enquiries and visits from Thursday 5 November.
Instead, customers are asked to continue to use the Council’s online services or contact our Customer Services team.
Support for vulnerable people
The Home, But Not Alone free phoneline, which supports vulnerable people in our communities who may be struggling with the impact of Coronavirus, was paused in August because of low demand and the lifting of COVID restrictions. However, in light of Thursday’s national lockdown (5 November), the service is now up and running again.
If you need urgent help and have no other support
You can call the Home, But Not Alone phoneline if you live in Suffolk and still need urgent help due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Home, But Not Alone service may be able to link you with local groups or shops who can support you to access essential supplies.
This emergency phoneline is for people who:
- do not have any support available from friends, family or neighbours
- are struggling for food, medicines or other essential supplies and are feeling lonely and isolated.
If any of these apply to you, call 0800 876 6926 (available 9am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday) or complete the self-referral form
Staying active
There are plenty of ways you can stay active at home and we have gathered a list of free online resources to help you get active, if you feel well.
Gateway to Homechoice scheme
The Gateway to Homechoice scheme is now back up and running, enabling people to bid for properties. However, there is currently a big backlog due to the scheme being temporarily suspended as a result of Covid-19, so long delays can be expected in all areas, including applications and short listings.
Waste
Household waste and garden waste collections will continue as normal, per each usual collection schedule.
To ensure that household waste and recycling collections are prioritised, we have temporarily suspended our bulky waste collection service (from Friday 22 January).
Government advice
See the latest advice, guidelines and updates about Covid-19 from the Government.
Landlords advice
Advice for HMO Licence Holders and Managers.
NHS advice
If you’re feeling unwell and/or are concerned that you may have symptoms of COVID-19, please go to the NHS website.
Waste disposal
Guidance on how to dispose of personal and business waste, including face covering and PPE, is available from the Government.