Reduced Services

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

In line with social distancing advice and to protect residents and staff the Council has taken the decision to close the Council offices to the public until further notice.

Whilst the offices are closed to visitors, you are still able to access services and information from this website 24/7.

Information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to access Council Services during this period can be found on our Coronavirus information page

You are invited to view and contribute to the The Mayor's Covid Record of Reflection

Essex move to Covid Tier 2 High: Message from Leader of the Council

Coronavirus related information and advice for businesses

Supporting Businesses 

Castle Point Borough Council is committed to supporting our businesses through this challenging period, and works with specialist organisations to provide the specialist advice businesses need to access grants, funding and guidance: 

  • Free access to grant and funding information is available for local small and medium businesses in Castle Point from Grantfinder UK. To sign up and access this information please visit: www.idoxopen4business.co.uk/castlepoint 

  • Businesses across South Essex, including those in Castle Point, can find specific business support to help them through this period by contacting the BEST Growth Hub:  www.bestgrowthhub.org.uk/business-readiness  

 

Business Rates Retail Discount and Business Support Grant Fund 

As part of the Government’s business support package the Chancellor of the Exchequer has extended business rate relief both in terms of the levels of discount, and the types of businesses that may benefit.  

A Small Business Grants Fund and a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund have also been established, and support has already been provided to many businesses across the Borough.  

For information on business rates and the business support grants available please visit our Business Rates pages. 

  

Business, premises or place closures to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) 

On the 23 March 2020, under the provisions of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure)(England) Regulations 2020, the Government announced that a range of businesses and premises must remain closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) and save lives. An up to date list of those premises that must shut, and any exemptions can be found on the Government’s website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance 

 

The Environmental Health Team at Castle Point Borough Council have been and will continue to work with businesses to ensure compliance with these instructions.   

The Council appreciates that closing a business is difficult.  Information on where help and support can be found is set out at the top of this page.  

We would like to thank those businesses who have complied with the Governments instruction.  

Whilst the Environmental Health service have enforcement powers to ensure businesses do conform, we hope that that everyone will comply with the advice in relation to COVID-19, in order to protect both themselves and others.  We will however take action where businesses do not comply and will enlist the support of Essex Police where necessary.  

If you witness any businesses not complying with these requirements or if you have any information to suggest that breaches are occurring within Castle Point, please inform Environmental Health via eh@castlepoint.gov.uk or calling 01268 8822000.  

Furthermore, it is vital that businesses that are allowed to continue operating have measures in place for preventing the spread of disease. This includes ensuring that the 2m social distancing rule applies at all times, regular handwashing, use of protective equipment as necessary and providing safe ways of receiving payments and communicating with customers. 

As well as dealing with non-compliant businesses, the Environmental Health team will be working to ensure businesses are implementing safe measures for minimising the risk of spreading the virus. If you have any concerns regarding businesses in the borough, please inform Environmental Health via eh@castlepoint.gov.uk or calling 01268 882200.  

Environmental Health are taking this matter very seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if businesses do not comply with these requirements.  

Any businesses which require any advice are encouraged to contact the team: eh@castlepoint.gov.uk or 01268 882200.