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Submit views on changes to the way social housing is allocated across Sefton

RESIDENTS, tenants, future tenants, landlords and housing associations have just 1 month to submit their views on changes to the way social housing is allocated across Sefton. Since November, Sefton Council and local authorities in the Liverpool City Region have been seeking views on the allocation process for social housing, which is administered through Property Pool Plus. So far, more than 3,600 people across the Liverpool City Region have responded but further views are being sought as part of the public consultation. Social housing is allocated several different ways, which considering a resident's eligibility, choice, preference, and priority. Changes are being proposed to each of these areas. Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:- "Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far in this consultation. Your views are extremely important and will ensure that the allocations process takes into account all factors within an individual's personal circumstances. It is hoped that the feedback received will ensure that the process of matching people with homes across the Borough, is efficient, accessible and places priority on those with most need."

Some criteria that may place someone in a higher priority could include:-

► People who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

► Victims of domestic abuse, racial abuse or hate crime.

► Members of the Armed Forces and Reserved Forces.

► Medical need.

To find out more information about the changes to the policy and to take part in the consultation, people can visit:- Sefton.Gov.UK. The consultation will run until Wednesday, 10 February 2021. Authorities in the Liverpool City Region will all simultaneously be undertaking this survey, the authorities include:- Halton Borough Council, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Liverpool City Council, Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council and Wirral Council.

CLA calls for avian flu vigilance, especially keepers of backyard flock

Bird keepers biosecurity measures...

THE recent cases of Avian Flu are a reminder that all poultry keepers should remain vigilant, particularly keepers of:- 'backyard flocks' in areas where they might easily mix with wild migratory birds, especially wildfowl. Keepers of hobby or back yard flocks should seriously consider their responsibilities in relation to poultry farmers whose birds are their livelihood. With the colder weather there is an increased risk from avian influenza in the UK from migrating wild birds (which might infect domestic poultry).

New housing measures, in force since last month, mean that it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease. The housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) last year. The AIPZ means that all poultry and captive bird keepers need to take extra precautions, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles, limiting access to non-essential people on their sites, and workers changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures.

Owners who has a flock numbering more than 50 birds must register the flock. Even keepers with fewer than 50 are encouraged to register. Robert Frewen, Rural Surveyor for CLA North and keen poultry keeper, shares his experiences of protecting his small flock from avian flu. Robert was able to house his 5 Lavender Pekin Bantams in a stable.

During the day, the top ½ of the door is open to provide natural light, but their feed and water is effectively protected from wild birds. His other 15 hens that normally live in his orchard have moved into the dog kennels. The indoor bit is a combination of 3 kennels with a connecting corridor, and the outside is a fully enclosed run with a mesh roof. Food and water is protected from wild birds but the next stage is to manage the welfare of hens that are normally wholly free range and not used to confinement.

It is worth putting a splash of cider apple vinegar in the water, and a supply of proper grit is a must. In addition to the normal feed, it is then important to provide them with some interest to keep boredom at bay. Old bits of fruit and vegetables to pick at are always popular, and you might consider hanging suet balls in mesh nets for them to peck at.

Robert's other advice includes:-

► House your birds or in some way keep them separate from wild birds.

► Deter wild birds, and consider creating a run outside the hen house.

► Keep feed and water either in the housing or in the run, but exclude wild birds.

► Give them plenty to do otherwise pecking and bullying may become an issue.

► Keep a careful eye on health and if in doubt, call the vet.

► Control rodents. Robert's 2 cats do a fine job, but where the wild birds used to pick up uneaten feed, they no longer can, so extra vigilance is needed.

► Water is best provided from a purpose-made drinker not from natural sources that might be shared with wild birds.

► Practice biosecurity. Robert has a designated pair of wellies that never leave the farm, and for the moment will be avoiding contact with all other poultry.

As both the stable and kennels have electric lights, Robert is hoping that egg production will increase to spring levels sooner.

CLA North Rural Surveyor Robert Frewen said:- "These recent incidents of this disease and its devastating impact are a sharp reminder to all poultry keepers to instigate measures to minimise the risks to their flocks being infected. Avian flu is a notifiable disease, and we would strongly advise that suspected symptoms be reported to Defra or the Animal and Plant Health Agency."

Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs. Signs of avian flu include:- loss of appetite, swollen heads, discolouration of neck and throat, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid and respiratory problems. Members of the public who come across dead wild birds, or suspect bird flu, which is a notifiable disease, in their flock are urged to call the Defra's Rural Services Helpline on:- 03000200301.

Use ₤2bn of returned business rates to help excluded, says Bill Esterson MP

BILL Esterson MP again asked the Chancellor to use the ₤2bn returned to him by large retailers who have not needed to take advantage of business rates relief, to help groups of workers who have been so far excluded from financial support during the Covid pandemic.

Appearing via video link, Mr Esterson, MP for Sefton Central, said during a debate in the House of Commons, on Monday, 11 January 2021:- "Infection rates in Sefton have more than doubled in the last week. Hospital admissions are up by 50% as well. Those people who have been excluded from financial support so far want to reduce infection levels and Hospital admissions, by staying at home protecting the NHS and saving lives. They want to play their part too but they need his help to do so. What is the Chancellor's objection to using the ₤2bn that large retailers returned in unused business rate relief which would enable many freelancers, self employed people, people who run small firms, people who changed jobs at the wrong time play their part in the national interest while we wait for the vaccine to be rolled out."

The Chancellor responded:- "I think the party opposite had called for that money the ₤2bn to be used to support small businesses particularly retail and Hospitality businesses which we have now supported to the tune ₤4.5bn, it would be nice to spend the same money twice. With regard to those who need help supported for self isolation purposes we have made available ₤500 to those who need help on a means tested basis for self isolation and that money is being worked through with Local Councils and the Dept for Health."

Mr Esterson said:- "Yet again today I asked the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support those who have been excluded from financial support so far. Yet again he refused. 3 million people have been excluded in the UK. It's been nearly a year. These people need help. This is a question of natural justice. But it is also a question of public health. The excluded 3 million need help so they can help the national effort to reduce infection and Hospital admissions. Why is this so difficult for the Chancellor and the Prime Minister to understand? If people don't receive financial support it is very difficult for them to stay at home and play their part. The more people who cannot afford to stay home, the more people who are adding to the risk of infection. When will this Government wake up? When will they help the excluded 3 million so that the 3 million can help everyone else?"

Bill Esterson MP asked his question at 4.09pm, on Monday, 11 January 2021.

Community Covid19 vaccination programme in Sefton

GPS, working together with the borough's 2 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), are continuing to roll out the Covid19 community vaccination programme in Sefton, which began at the end of December 2020. This will gain pace over the coming weeks, with more patients most at risk of Covid19; aged over 80 years and care home staff and residents; being invited for their immunisation 1st.

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, explained:- "Our GP practices are working together in groups to deliver vaccinations as quickly as possible to their patients aged over 80 years and to invite them into a community centre to be immunised safely. Importantly, in the meantime, we are asking everyone not to contact their GP practice or another NHS organisation to ask for their vaccination; or to request one for a member of their household or their carer."

Dr Rob Caudwell, Chair NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "We do understand that people will be keen to know when they will receive their vaccines. Each of us will receive an invite when it is our turn to be vaccinated, either by letter or a phone call. You may know others aged over 80 who have been invited for their vaccination already, however, not all areas of Sefton could start vaccinating at the same time, so not everyone has been contacted yet, but we will get to you."

This is the biggest vaccination programme the NHS has ever undertaken. It is a huge challenge and the local NHS is working hard to overcome any logistical issues as they may arise. So, the exact weekly roll out of the programme will be largely shaped by the vaccine supply from the manufacturers.

Not all local premises or surgeries can become community vaccination centres, as they need to meet the strict clinical and logistical requirements of the programme. So, when it is your turn to be vaccinated, be prepared that it may not be at your GP practice or another nearby venue.

The NHS has a clear vaccine delivery plan but it will take some time for GP practices to work through the number of people aged over 80 that need to be contacted.

So, GP practices and the CCGs are asking everyone to be patient and until people are fully vaccinated with 2 doses, they are reminded to follow the current restrictions and guidance and play their part by following these steps:-

► Do not contact your GP practice or the NHS to seek a vaccine, we will contact you.

► When we do contact you, please attend your booked appointments.

► Please continue to follow all the guidance to control the virus and save lives by socially distancing, wearing a mask or face covering and washing your hands regularly.

► The roll out of the programme in community vaccinations centres is in addition to Hospital immunisation hubs, which began operating first from 8 December 2020.

► You can find general information about the Covid19 vaccine here:- NHS.UK/Covidvaccine.

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 46,169 cases and the total number now stand at:- 3,118,518 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:- 529, within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 81,960, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 82,624.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 32,294. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 3,098 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 4,193.

In England, there are a total of:- 2,705,964 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 436,205 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-

Liverpool City Region

Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions

► Liverpool, 35,035 confirmed cases.
609

► Halton, 8,181 confirmed cases.
167

► Knowsley, 11,931 confirmed cases. 289

► Sefton, 16,523 confirmed cases.
403

► St. Helens, 11,043 confirmed cases.
164

► Wirral, 16,923 confirmed cases.

305

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to100 101 over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 13,392 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 6,934 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 18,824 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 13,033 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 14,903 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 15,141 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 69,778 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 39,660 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 18,107 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 9,598 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 16,190 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 17,122 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 14,548 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 13,113 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 12,210 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 12,841 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 21,681 confirmed cases.

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

2,286,572 388,641

Jab Stats correct as of 11 January 2021

The vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca vaccine from 4 January 2021. Both vaccines are given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart, for a full vaccination course.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

The latest R number is estimated at:- 1 to 1.4 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- 0% to +6% as of 8 January 2021.