Extra financial support for vulnerable households
Some Wiltshire residents of working age will pay less council tax due to a Government-funded scheme to support people from the impact of COVID-19.
There are currently more than 16,000 working age households in receipt of a council tax reduction in Wiltshire, and around 11,000 of those will qualify for additional financial support under this scheme.
Qualifying households will shortly receive a new council tax bill for 2020/21 by Wiltshire Council confirming they have been awarded a further reduction.
More information on the COVID-19 hardship fund
NHS and key care workers continue to be exempt from parking charges
We are reintroducing parking enforcement at all car parks, and on residential and on-street parking areas in the county from Monday 1 June. However, NHS and key care workers will continue to have free use of all council parking, and this will continue until further notice.
All parking permits and season tickets will restart from Monday, and parking wardens will enforce any parking contraventions in the county.
More info on parking charges being reintroduced
Be fire wise this weekend
For the next few days, the risk of devastating wildfires in heath and woodland across Wiltshire has been raised to ‘extreme’, which is the highest it can be.
Wildfires can start due to a number of reasons, including:
- Deliberate fire setting
- Littering of items such as disposable barbecues and cigarettes
- Campfires and bonfires either being left unattended or getting out of control
- Sparks from machinery and vehicles
- Cars being parked on verges and the heat from their catalytic converters igniting the grass
The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service wants residents and visitors alike to help protect local heath and woodlands by resisting having any form of barbecue or outside fire whilst enjoying the countryside.
More about the fire risk level and how to reduce the risk
Street markets to open and sell their full range of goods
From Tuesday (2 June) Wiltshire Council-run street markets will be back and able to sell their full range of products again.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you. Social distancing measures will be in place so please take notice of all signage. We do not have any confirmed stallholders for Corsham so that will not be taking place next week, but we hope it will be back very soon.
The layout of stalls at our markets will be different than normal to enable you and the stallholders to stay as safe as possible.
Chippenham, Devizes, Royal Wootton Bassett and Salisbury markets are run by their respective councils so please check with them for the latest arrangements:
More on the reopening of street markets
Coping in the heat
We have recently been enjoying some lovely weather, and this weekend is expected to be hot.
Public Health England has recently updated their Heatwave Plan for England taking into account COVID-19, to help people stay as safe as possible during this time.
Tips for coping in hot weather
- keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
- avoid the heat: stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
- keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this is not possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter)
- if possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
- have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Water, lower-fat milks and tea and coffee are good options
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
check-up safely on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves – follow COVID-19 guidance.
More information on coping with heat and COVID-19
