No Sheffield council tenant will lose home because of coronavirus says council leader

Councillor Julie Dore, leader of Sheffield City Council, made the pledge as part of a statement to residents, and also said the council will help businesses access the £330 billion fund set up by the government to keep the economy afloat.

Coun Dore said: “No council tenant will lose their home because they are affected by COVID-19.

“I know this is a period of great fear and uncertainty for people across our city, and I want to reassure you of all the measures that are being taken by Sheffield City Council to ensure we protect people and keep the city functioning as well as we can over the coming weeks and months.

“I would like to extend my personal thanks to council and NHS staff for all the work they have been doing to keep people across the city as safe as possible. Their hard work and dedication means we are now in the best position we can be to respond to this disease.

“It is also important to be clear we will keep our vital services running, even if they have to be delivered in different ways. We will continue, as always, to prioritise the most vulnerable people in the city. Maintaining good adult and children’s social care is our top priority, and we are putting all necessary resources behind this.

“We recognise the situation is moving very quickly and that the national guidance will continue to change and evolve over time.

“Following the announcement by government yesterday about support for businesses, we will do everything we can locally to ensure they are able to access the support available.

"What I do know, though, is that Sheffield people have resilience, a sense of community and just the right combination of the kindness and practicality that will get us through the challenges ahead in the best shape we can be.”