Ayoub, “Local elections don’t matter”  I can’t count how many times I’ve heard that. In normal years, it’s wrong. But next year it couldn’t be further from the truth.  That’s because with the 2020 local elections rightly suspended, we now face the colossal challenge of a double election round next year.  Which means I urgently need your help to double our resources to fight these unprecedented elections >> Make a Donation There simply isn’t a replacement to a well resourced campaign. And next year there will be thousands:  Over 5,000 council elections – many in areas which voted Conservative for the first time in 2019, making it vital we stand in every seat.  40 Police and Crime Commissioners – these elections will decide how our police are run, and with the Opposition's track record we can’t risk abandoning any candidate.  13 mayoral contests – which will decide if our levelling up agenda can truly be enacted across the entire country.  Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections – where it’s vital we hold the SNP and Welsh Labour to account and defend our Union.  Ayoub, unless we can double our resources we won’t be able to rise to this challenge >> Donate £10 Donate £25 Donate £50 Donate Other Amount These elections aren’t just a test for us but for Labour too. Because for the first time Keir Starmer will be forced to step out of his bubble and speak to real voters. So Ayoub, if you can help, we need to start preparing today. Will you donate to my urgent appeal and allow us to rise to this challenge >> I know with you by my side we can succeed again. Yours sincerely,  Boris Johnson Leader of the Conservative Party

Book in a time to register your baby’s birth Have you had a new arrival during lockdown and you’ve been waiting for the moment that you can actually register them? Firstly, congratulations! Secondly we’ve got some great news, as from Monday 27 July you will be able to book a registration appointment for your baby. Due to social distancing and reduced office space, we will only be registering births from Monday to Thursday, which may mean you have to wait a bit longer than usual so please bear with us. Please also be aware, that if your child was born at Queen’s Hospital, you can also book an appointment with Havering Council. Find out more here.

Beware of Test & Trace Scammers While it’s really important that you get tested if you have coronavirus symptoms, please stay alert about coronavirus scams. We’re hearing reports that unscrupulous people have been calling residents and posing as NHS employees. Please remember, the coronavirus test is FREE so do not give anyone your card or bank details.  If you think you are being scammed you can call Action Fraud, by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting its website

The Wall of Shame is BACK! We’re determined to win the war against fly tipping and we won’t take any prisoners in the process! That’s why, after a short break due to covid-19, we’re bringing our award-winning Wall of Shame series back, to once again name and shame the few people dumping their rubbish on our streets, ruining the borough for everyone else. And it doesn’t stop there! From today, you’ll start seeing two different types of signage at fly tipping hotspots across the borough, to warn off offenders by letting them know our cameras are watching them and they’ll appear on the Wall of Shame! You’ll also see signs challenging the people who don’t seem to care about dumping rubbish, by asking them if they: •    are too lazy to go to a bin or recycling centre •    don’t care about the local area •    think other people should clear up after them Or is it just because they’re a ‘tosser’? The hotspots have been specifically chosen by our enforcement officers and our street cleansing team based on the amount of fly tipping and reports from residents

YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 22 July 2020 Free parking for NHS staff and key workers extended Life might be starting to get back to some kind of normality (ish) but there are still hundreds of our residents working in the fight against coronavirus, so that’s why we have decided to extend their free parking to the end of September. When lockdown was announced we recognised the important role NHS staff, key workers and volunteers would play in keeping residents safe, and offered free parking permits to help make their lives easier during the pandemic. So far, we’ve handed out over 1,600 free permits. If you work on the frontline, are a carer or recognised volunteer, you can apply for a free parking permit by heading here.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 2 July 2020 Coronavirus cases in our borough – setting the record straight! You may have seen false reports in a couple of the national papers this week around a ‘big’ increase in Covid numbers in our borough. This is not the case. We’ve had 513 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the borough since the pandemic began, and compared to our neighbouring boroughs, where there have been 733 cases in Havering and 779 in Redbridge, our numbers are significantly lower. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, issued a statement about this, to set the record straight, which you can read here. The Leicester lockdown has shown us we aren’t out of the woods yet, and while some of the lockdown measures are easing this weekend, we all need to remember that we need to continue following government guidance and social distancing measures, to help prevent the spread of the virus.  NHS 72nd anniversary – join us virtually to celebrate this weekend! This Sunday, 5 July, is the 72nd anniversary of the NHS. 2020 has been the most challenging year in our NHS’s history and this weekend, we are joining the rest of the nation in marking its birthday – and you’re invited. We will be remembering everyone we have lost to Covid-19, and showing our appreciation and thanks to our amazing NHS staff and all those who have supported our community during the pandemic. As part of the NHS anniversary weekend, we will be joining other national landmarks and lighting up Barking Town Hall in blue light to remember all those that we have lost to coronavirus. We are asking people to join us in remembrance at 8pm on Saturday, by putting a light in your window or doorstep. Then on Sunday at 5pm, everyone is invited to join (following social distancing) in a minute’s silence, followed by the biggest clap for the NHS, key workers and all the volunteers who are still helping to keep services and community networks going to support people during the pandemic. Please reply to this email with any pics or videos of you taking part, or feel free to tag us on our Facebook and Twitter channels. We’re working with businesses as they plan to re-open As lockdown eases further this weekend with pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas allowed to re-open, our enforcement team will be working closely with business owners to ensure they are following the latest government guidance to make sure their premises are safe for you. If a business is found not to be complying, enforcement officers will firstly offer advice on what needs to be done, but if nothing changes, the council will be able to issue a Prohibition Notice and will review the premises license under the Licensing Act 2003. This could ultimately mean the business could be closed for a period of time. Businesses that choose to re-open will be responsible for ensuring that their premises are ‘Covid-secure’ and are required to conduct and implement a risk assessment, which considers the safety of their staff and customers. The government has issued full guidance online here. If you believe somewhere is open that should be closed or isn’t following government guidance, you can report it online here. New rules for places of worship   From 4 July, gatherings of more than 30 people will be allowed but only in certain public places as set out in law. This will include places of worship and their surrounding premises. There are however, activities where it is advisable to restrict numbers to 30 within a place of worship for public health reasons, such as weddings and funerals. The government have set out new guidance for those activities as well as how to ensure places of worship are COVID-19 secure. We are working with local faith organisations as they plan for 4 July and beyond. Whilst taking part in an activity in a place of worship or surrounding grounds, you should adhere to social distancing guidelines. More details on the government’s new guidance can be found here.  Use our green spaces responsibly This weekend will understandably be exciting for some residents, especially if you plan to make the most of the lockdown easing a bit. But we need residents to be sensible. If you are planning to spend time in our parks and green spaces, all we ask is that you continue to use them in the right way - when you do your exercise or you meet a small number of friends and family, you must continue with social distancing rules. Please don’t meet in large groups in our parks or have barbecues as they are not allowed. This isn’t just at the moment – BBQs are a fire hazard, so aren’t allowed in our parks even outside of lockdown. We’re also working on plans for how we can safely reopen outdoor gyms and children’s play areas in the future, with the right cleaning arrangements in place to keep everyone safe so please bear with us and watch this space. Also, no one wants our parks ruined, so please put your rubbish in the bin or take it home with you – thank you. Planning for heritage sites to reopen in the future Following the change to the government’s guidance around the re-opening of museums, we are looking at plans to re-open our heritage sites, Valence House and Eastbury Manor, in the future. Risk assessments are being carried out to make sure both sites are only open to the public again once it is safe to do so, to protect visitors and staff. While both sites remain closed for now, you can visit both their websites for some educational and fascinating online work and exhibitions, provided by the great staff who work at each site. www.valencehousecollections.co.uk www.eastburymanorhouse.org.uk

New rules for places of worship   From 4 July, gatherings of more than 30 people will be allowed but only in certain public places as set out in law. This will include places of worship and their surrounding premises. There are however, activities where it is advisable to restrict numbers to 30 within a place of worship for public health reasons, such as weddings and funerals. The government have set out new guidance for those activities as well as how to ensure places of worship are COVID-19 secure. We are working with local faith organisations as they plan for 4 July and beyond. Whilst taking part in an activity in a place of worship or surrounding grounds, you should adhere to social distancing guidelines. More details on the government’s new guidance can be found here.

Coronavirus cases in our borough – setting the record straight! You may have seen false reports in a couple of the national papers this week around a ‘big’ increase in Covid numbers in our borough. This is not the case. We’ve had 513 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the borough since the pandemic began, and compared to our neighbouring boroughs, where there have been 733 cases in Havering and 779 in Redbridge, our numbers are significantly lower. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, issued a statement about this, to set the record straight, which you can read here. The Leicester lockdown has shown us we aren’t out of the woods yet, and while some of the lockdown measures are easing this weekend, we all need to remember that we need to continue following government guidance and social distancing measures, to help prevent the spread of the virus

Plan ahead – get to Frizlands tip one hour before closing time Frizlands Lane tip and our neighbouring tips reopened last month and following Government guidelines you should only visit the tips if your visit is essential. Please also arrive at least one hour before closing times to avoid being turned away. You can get more information including opening times here. Remember if you need to get rid of old kitchen appliances, you can have them taken away for FREE as part of our pilot white goods collection service with AO – book your collection here. And you can also still book a bulky waste collection from your home if you have large, unwanted items, which you need to dispose of. This service will save you the time and the hassle of having to visit the tip.

We’re continuing to monitor the situation as it develops and will keep you posted about what this means for any council facilities affected by the changes.

Plans to ease guidance for those shielding Earlier this week, the government announced that the guidance for people ‘shielding’ from coronavirus will be relaxed again in two stages in July and August. Shielding is for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. We know that there are lots of people who are at higher risk if they catch the virus, but the national shielding service is only for the most at risk. There are just over 8,000 people in our borough in that category.   From 6 July, people who are shielding will be able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people, including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing. People shielding who live alone or are single parents with children will also be able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household of any size, following the same rules already in place for the wider population. The big change will come on Saturday 1 August, when the guidance will be further relaxed so that clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer be advised to shield. They will continue to have access to priority supermarket delivery slots – but they should have registered online for them before 17 July. NHS Volunteer Responders will also continue to offer support to those who need it, including collecting and delivering food and medicines. The boxes delivered by the National Shielding Service will stop as of 1 August as individuals are advised they can visit shops and pharmacies. Letters are being sent from the government directly to people who are shielding, giving more information. The letters advise that the Council can assist shielders with the next steps, and we are working now on what support we can put in place to help people through the transition – if you are affected, and especially if you are taking a Government food delivery, we’ll be in touch soon. The latest information from the government can be found here.

East London hospitals are winning the battle against coronavirus Life still might not be back to normal but there is some hope….. we’re seeing a lot less cases and deaths across the country and it’s no different in East London. As of this week our local hospitals now have five Covid wards, down from a peak of 20 wards. More than 1,500 people, who either had confirmed or suspected coronavirus, have now returned home, with 260 of these patients having recovered following a spell in intensive care. As always, a massive thank you needs to go to all of the wonderful staff behind these success stories ❤️

FACE MASKS ON UK PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Wear face coverings on public transport  From next Monday 15 June, you must wear a face covering while using public transport. You should still be avoiding public transport where possible. If you do need to make an essential journey using public transport, please plan in advance and, if possible, try and travel at off peak times. A face covering is not the same as a personal protection facemask (PPE) used by healthcare and frontline workers, but it can help stop the spread of the virus. Click here to find out how to make your own face covering. The government is also now advising people to wear a face covering in places where social distancing is not always possible, such as shops.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 11 June 2020 Black Lives Matters: we stand together Last week, we illuminated Barking Town Hall in purple light to show our solidarity with everyone that has been shocked by George Floyd’s death, and many others who have sadly lost their lives simply because of the colour of their skin. This week, hundreds of people, including many young people, peacefully protested in our borough in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. We reached out to the organisers to help facilitate a safe space outside Barking Town Hall, and provided sound equipment, so their strong, passionate and important messages could be heard loud and clear. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf, also attended, and said a few words on the steps of the Town Hall. In Barking and Dagenham, we stand against racism and with those who face prejudice on a daily basis. There is absolutely no place for it in our borough, or world. We know there is a lot of work yet to be done and understand this is a frustrating and upsetting time for many, especially our residents from black and ethnic minority communities. We value all members of our community, and that is why it's so important for us to show our support for Black Lives Matters.  One year anniversary of Samuel Garside House fire    A year ago, on 9 June 2019, a fire spread across the wooden balconies of Samuel Garside House, destroying homes and forcing people to run to safety. Luckily, no one was injured but it changed residents’ lives forever. The block is made up of privately-owned, part-leased and housing association flats, meaning residents had to deal with lots of organisations in the aftermath of the fire, as they tried to get back to some sense of normality. Earlier this year we set up a review to learn the lessons from this and to lobby government for greater powers so that we and other councils can act on behalf of residents when we are needed and when a block isn’t council owned. The review will be published later this year. If you want to contribute to it, please email barkingfirereview@lbbd.gov.uk for more info before Monday 22 June. Council thanks carers during Carers Week  This week is national Carers Week and this year, more than ever, it is important that we recognise the great work all our carers, young and old, do for other people. During the pandemic many carers have taken on extra responsibilities, such as caring for relatives, friends and other people in the community who need support. However, it’s really important that we don’t forget about the carers themselves and offer them support with any difficulties they may be facing. Carers are 10% more at risk of feeling lonely and isolated and it’s especially important that we support ‘Hidden Carers’ who don’t identify themselves as carers and are not accessing support from any service. We normally mark Carers Week with several activities, delivered by Carers of Barking and Dagenham in partnership with the council, but this year we’re having to do things a bit differently. Throughout the week we’ve been hosting a range of online sessions for carers to take part in, including chats, quizzes and even a disco for our young carers. To take part in the rest of the activities please call 020 8593 4422 or email carers@carerscentre.org.uk.

AYOUB  MZEE  with  the  Ghana  High  Commissioner  in  uk  Ambassador Kwaku  Danso   Boafo

The United States Commends the People of Burundi on the Presidential Elections of May 20

06/05/2020 09:05 PM EDT

Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson
The United States acknowledges the Burundian Constitutional Court’s certification of Evariste Ndayishimiye as the next President of Burundi. We encourage the new government to include a broad representation of political stakeholders. As steadfast supporters of democracy, we call on the government to address reports of electoral fraud and investigate and pursue accountability for all allegations of voter intimidation before, during, and after the elections. We also urge the release of any authorized party representatives and other election observers who were unjustly detained or arrested for engaging in election observation activities, including possessing voting information after polling stations closed, to promote electoral transparency. A swift resolution, in accordance with existing laws and procedures, will help reassure the Burundian people of the new government’s commitment to strengthen respect for the rule of law and allow all its citizens to participate fully and equally in the electoral process.
The United States salutes the people of Burundi for their resolve for a peaceful ‎transfer of power. We also recognize outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza’s commitment to a peaceful transition. Should it occur, this will be a historic moment for the people of Burundi, as it will represent the first time in Burundi’s modern history that a government came into power peacefully and also peacefully transitioned to a new president-elect. The United States looks forward to working with President-elect Ndayishimiye and the new government to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions, improve citizen-responsive governance, promote prosperity, and safeguard regional and global security