Thank you for visiting. Please share this information as widely as possible. I try every day to cut through the noise and bring you the most pertinent information so that you can go back to your day, staying safe and keeping healthy.
Help for the self employed
Finally, the Government have made an offer to the self-employed. The headline is 80% of their profits. For those of us who have been banging the drum for self-employed workers, it is pleasing that the Government have now recognised the need to step in. But the devil here is in the detail. There are many caveats to this and not everyone will see this as a huge relief. It is important to note that ‘profit’ does not necessarily accurately reflect income as much of their turnover will be offset. For example, their mileage will be taken from profit, as will their repairs, tools, insurance, business premises bills (or home bills if working from home). This means that for many ‘profits’ are often lower than what they actually need to live on. Overheads and bills are not going anywhere.
For more information on this please see here
Help for vulnerable people
A reminder of the Leeds City Council helpline so anyone finding themselves in this situation can call 0113 3781877 and be matched with a local volunteer who can help.
Foodbank
I have been working with the North and West Leeds Foodbank this week to help build their capacity and resilience during the crisis. They need larger premises and are looking to raise 25k as soon as possible. If you can help with even the smallest sum please donate here
Office update
We are still experiencing large volumes of correspondence. There are a growing number of constituents trapped abroad as countries are closing their borders. Our office is functioning but please use our phone line sparingly, allowing others in desperate situations to get through. For queries please use alex@alexsobel.co.uk
Ask Alex
I am doing regular Facebook live Question and Answer sessions. They are on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoon at 2pm. Please see my Facebook Page for more details.
Key numbers
Here is the LCC dedicated webpage for Leeds coronavirus for any queries you may have. This has lots of information on it and links to relevant national guidance. These links will be updated regularly.
Here are some more useful telephone numbers
AsthmaUK 0300 222 5800
The British Heart Foundation 0300 330 3311
DiabetesUK 0345 123 2399
MindCharity 0300 123 3393
Scope 0808 800 3333
TheSilverLineUK 0800 470 8090
Alzheimer’s Society 0333 150 3456.
Business and Self Employed Helpline – 0800 0159 559.