Coronavirus: Bucks MPs Welcome Unitary Council, Praise Volunteers and Call on the Public to Make the Most of Local Businesses


From Rt Hon Dame Cheryl Gillan MP, Steve Baker MP, Rob Butler MP, Joy Morrissey MP, Greg Smith MP


As Buckinghamshire people adjust to the essential measures necessary to suppress the spread of coronavirus, voluntary groups and individuals have done amazing work to support those in need of help. Bucks MPs always knew we had kind people living in our constituencies, but we are immensely proud of how communities have come together in mutual support.

The new Buckinghamshire Council came into force today, combining the county and district councils into one. It is already clear having a unitary authority has made it easier to co-ordinate the response of local volunteers and public services compared to other areas. We welcome the new unitary Bucks Council and extend our thanks to the dedicated officials who are working with tremendous speed and commitment to establish vital new services.

We are concerned that everyone should be able to buy safely what they need whilst self-isolating, especially if they fall into a vulnerable group which needs to be shielded. We know many people will buy their food from the big supermarkets and we are thankful these have now met the unprecedented demand placed upon them. But we know they cannot always deliver to homes.

That’s why we are calling on the public to make the most of our excellent small and independent retailers, including farm shops, many of whom have home delivery schemes. Why not give your local store a call?

We are also calling on independent food retailers to get in touch with Bucks Council if they are offering home delivery so they can be included in the local directory. Register your business here: bit.ly/BCBizHelp

If you need help with your groceries and cooked meals, prescription pickups or more, visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk, or use the directory at directory.buckinghamshire.gov.uk. You can reach local volunteers through the Bucks Council COVID line on 01296 395000.

Finally, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is making an urgent appeal for staff accommodation for doctors and nurses based at Stoke Mandeville and Wycombe during the outbreak. If you have self-contained accommodation, including one-bedroom properties, hotel rooms or B&B facilities, which could be used, please email bht.covid-19-hotels@nhs.net.

More information: gov.uk/coronavirus and http://nhs.uk/coronavirus

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