Council working hard to support residents and continue services under coronavirus restrictions in North Kesteven

Council officers will be following this up with a phone call to answer any further questions and offer support. Residents can verify any calls using the unique identification number stated in their letter. When an officer of the council calls you, they will ask to check this unique identification number with you – they will read this out for you to check. You must not read it out for them to check. By following this guidance you will be able to ensure the legitimacy of the officer on the phone and identify that they are working on behalf of the council. The council says it has been another busy week with staff continuing to serve its communities while under restrictions to ensure essential services continue effectively. This includes a number of staff who have been redeployed to support other areas of the council to cover gaps, or are volunteering to support partner organisations such as the NHS and Wellbeing Lincs. According to the authority, they have been overwhelmed by the efforts of community support and kindness they are hearing about across North Kesteven with people supporting friends, families, neighbours and the wider community in some way. The council said in a statement: "We like to celebrate and recognise those 'heroes' in our communities who go out of their way to help others - so, if there is someone, a group or school standing out to you right now, do think about nominating them for an NK Community Champion award at www.nkawards.org The awards are partnered and promoted by the Sleaford Standard. There are a number of avenues you can take to help others should you wish: If you are part of a community support group you can register HEREYou can also find out how to safely support others at https://www.gov.uk/safehelp The council's own essential services continue to be a priority. Residual, recycling and garden waste collections continue. Contractors have restarted the grass cutting services in communal areas, and grassed areas maintained by NKDC. The housing team continues to support both tenants and those in need across the district. Additional measures are in place to accommodate any person found to be rough sleeping or those without any accommodation available to them at this time. If you require emergency assistance, contact the Housing Options Team on 01529 414155 Monday-Friday, by email to housingoptions@n-kesteven.gov.uk or call 01529 308308 out of hours. The district council has also been working with Lincolnshire County Council, Wellbeing Lincs and the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum, to help provide the vital link between community groups, charities and parish councils with residents who need community help. The Economic Development team continue to support businesses across the district with advice and guidance, and have to date paid out over £16m in Government grants to eligible businesses. The council also successfully held its first virtual council meeting yesterday (Thursday). You can listen to it here.