Coronavirus: Portsmouth council could provide concessions to people falling behind on rent and tax

During a record short full council meeting of 32 minutes, which was only attended by 17 councillors in a bid to keep members safe, the city council's new 12-point plan for Covid-19 was discussed.

Members welcomed the plans, however, Progressive Portsmouth People group leader Councillor Claire Udy requested reassurance for those struggling with finances.

She said: ‘We need help for people who may fall into debt regarding rents to Portsmouth City Council homes and council tax especially.

'I graciously ask the collection techniques for debt when they get referred quite easily towards threat of court action to be reconsidered because a lot of people will be financially crippled when people might not be able to work.

'I would ask for reassurance that we’re not going to be asking them for money at the soonest possible moment and just to take that worry off their minds. It won’t help their health and everyone’s mental health is in the bin at the moment.’

Council leader Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson confirmed it would be considered. He said: ‘It’s an area we definitely need to look at and see what we can do. But we’ll need to do that and involve everybody from all parties. We’ll look to Chris (director of finance) to talk to us about debt and how that might happen.’

Plans set out by the council included setting up an information helpline, working with foodbanks, opening 35 care home beds to take pressure from QA Hospital, providing free food for children who get free meals at school if the schools close and extending bus pass times to allow elderly people to shop earlier in the day.

Tory leader Cllr Donna Jones said: ‘We are in unprecedented times particularly with what’s happened across the world.

‘I think the 12-point plan is to be welcomed. I do have concerns around the bus passes and encouraging people to go out. But I think this is comprehensive and well thought out.’

Several items due to be heard at full council were postponed for a future date to keep the meeting time to a minimum.