Highlights
- Vaccination rolloutThere are now 3 safe vaccines which will protect you from coronavirus, available free of charge from the NHS.More on vaccination rollout
- Support for businessesFind out about grants, finance, restrictions and general supportMore on business support
- CyberattackCouncil services are disrupted and you may experience difficulty contacting us or using our servicesMore on disruption to services
- Do you need financial help?Find out what financial help you could be entitled to and how to apply for itMore on financial help
- Find support services mapFind organisations that are open, but providing an alternative to their usual activities in response to coronavirusView the map
- Childcare and supportChildcare, family support and children's centresMore on childcare
Find out more
Council news
Support your local high street as it reopens today
12th April 2021
A practical package of support, guidance, promotion and grants is being delivered by the Council to help businesses as non-essential retail, personal care and outdoor hospitality venues reopen and welcome customers back today. The support includes:Online reopening advice sessions for businessesAdvice on protecting staff and customers from Covid-19Helping businesses apply to use their outdoor space for al fresco diningFree advertising through our shop local campaignDistributing more than £16 million to businesses through the new Restart GrantsHackney is a place in which thousands of jobs depend on the hospitality sector and the Council is committed to helping those industries to reopen safely and successfully. The new al fresco dining guide for businesses provides advice on how restaurants, cafes and bars can use their outside space to accommodate customers, reducing the potential transmission of coronavirus and setting out the most appropriate licence for their business. More than 270 applications for Pavement and Shop Front licences have been approved over the last year and it is hoped the guidance, alongside Council Officers working closely with businesses, will facilitate the approval of many more over the coming months.Hundreds of businesses have told the Council directly and through surveys that they have faced a difficult year with almost 3,000 forced to close temporarily as a result of lockdown restrictions, leaving many without any income for months on end. Here’s how the Council has supported local businesses during the pandemic:Rolled out £124 million in business grantsAwarded £82 million in business rate reliefVisited more than 2,700 businesses to provide advice on covid-secure workingApproved 271 Shop Front and Pavement LicencesLaunched the Love Hackney Shop Local campaign and business directory showcasing more than 450 businessesProvided 121 support for businesses in Council-owned properties including rent-free and rent deferral periodsDeveloped a bespoke package of support for Market Traders in the boroughHosted 14 online business forums, attended by more than 700 businesses, sent out 52 Hackney Business Network newsletters and launched the new Hackney Business Network website which provides news, opportunities and guidance for all businesses in the boroughLaunched the new Hackney Nights portal for night-time venues, providing support to reopen and training on key night-time safety issuesThe Council continues to play a crucial role in supporting local businesses through the pandemic and preparing for the reopening of all our industries over the coming weeks. Businesses can visit the Council website or our dedicated business portal for advice, information and support.hackney.gov.uk/support-for-businesshackneybusinessnetwork.co.uklovehackney.uk/shop-local
Joint Council and Police action to continue this week as rules ease
12th April 2021
Shops, pub beer gardens, hairdressers and other non-essential businesses reopened today (12 April) as part of the next phase of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. It’s still important to continue following the public health rules, including social distancing, to help keep yourselves and others safe. Council and police officers will be carrying out daily joint enforcement action this week to ensure that everyone is sticking to the vital coronavirus regulations. Hackney’s businesses have been working tirelessly with Council officers throughout the pandemic to ensure that their premises are Covid-19 safe. Officers have been visiting local businesses regularly to ensure that all Covid-19 safety regulations are being followed, and more visits will be carried out over the next few weeks. While the Council does not have powers to take action against individuals who are not complying with social distancing guidance, enforcement officers will be taking part in joint patrols with the police in key areas in Hackney where Covid-19 breaches have been reported to ensure that residents are adhering to lockdown regulations. Find out more about how the rules have changed