Important Information for Customers

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We would like to reassure our customers that we are working very hard to deliver services and support for you as we move through these uncertain times and we would like to thank you for your understanding and patience. We want to ensure that we are here to help and support you however we must also continue to protect the health and wellbeing of all our customers and colleagues, in line with current Government advice.

Unfortunately the Coronavirus situation will impact the level of services we are able to provide to our customers and we may not be able to meet all our service standards. Details of our revised service arrangements are below. Over the coming weeks we will be working hard to prioritise emergencies and to put the needs of our most vulnerable customers first.

Please contact us via telephone on 0161 272 6094 or via our website if you have any questions or require any support from me during this time.

Arawak Walton's services

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The Health Secretary made an announcement on Thursday 30th July regarding Greater Manchester:

The numbers are rising in GM, some areas worse than others. Hancock said:

“The spread is largely due to households meeting and not abiding by social distancing. So from midnight tonight (30th July) people from different households will not be allowed to meet each other in doors in Greater Manchester”

Andy Burnham has said this will be reviewed on a weekly basis and if we all follow the rules it could be over very quickly.

When our teams take repairs from Friday 31st onwards they will observe the following points:

• In light of the government announcement on stopping people going indoors to other households we are increasing our protective measures on repairs
• All repairs will be raised as routine to give the situation a chance to improve – no urgent repairs will be processed.
• If an emergency occurs then we will send a contractor immediately as normal
• We will continue to ask our tenants key questions about whether they have any signs or symptoms of Covid-19 and whether they have had a recent positive test
• We will raise the repair but it will be placed as routine and the contractor will call to agree a safe way to complete the repair in the coming weeks
• Our contractors will be vigilant and exercise hygiene and social distancing when entering your home
• Your repair may take longer than usual
• Any tenant that no longer wishes for a repair to be carried out that has been scheduled already must call our office as soon as possible on 0161 272 6094


Revised Service Arrangements following Government requirements to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Details correct as at 13 July 2020
External briefing notes as of 13.7.20

New Restrictions in the North West of England

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An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus. From 31 July 2020, if you live in certain parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire, you should follow these rules when meeting people who you do not live with. Local restrictions - What you can and cannot do

Coronavirus (COVID-19) letter to social housing residents

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On the 18 May 2020 the Government published a letter from Christopher Pincher, Minister of State for Housing, to social housing residents in England setting out all the measures that are in place to support social housing residents during the next phase towards reopening society.

This includes information about maintenance and repairs, gas safety checks, remediation works, home moves, support for domestic abuse victims and anti-social behaviour. Letter to social housing residents

Changes to Lockdown laws from July 4th 2020

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Community Legal Education have produced a short video clearly explaining the 8 big changes to lockdown laws from July 4th 2020.

Watch video

Coronavirus: stay alert, control the virus, save lives

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The Government has produced the following guidance on staying alert and staying safe (social distancing).

Government advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Signs and symptoms of Coronavirus and what you need to do

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- Signs and symptoms of Coronavirus
- Cough
- Fever
- Difficulty in breathing

How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus?

- Wash your hands with soap and water or use a sanitiser gel, regularly throughout the day
- Catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue, bin it, and wash your hands
- Stay at home
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home)
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms
- Staying at home and away from others (social distancing) current Government advice

Benefits and Coronavirus

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new campaign around Universal Credit and COVID-19.

A new website has been launched to provide clear, factual information on employment and benefits support with advice on housing, furlough, sick pay and self-employment, alongside advice and FAQs for employers, those already claiming and those making a new claim. Visit the new website here

COVID - 19 Support for Businesses and the Self Employed

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Self Employed Grant

This scheme will allow the self employed to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be extended if needed. For more information and to claim a taxable grant please visit the Government's website.

Business Rate Relief

All retail, hospitality, and leisure properties are to receive a business rates holiday for the entirety of the 2020/21 financial year. This is specifically for small and medium enterprises who have up to 250 employees, and have a rateable value of between £15k-£51k More information on Business Support

Support for Manchester Residents

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Manchester City Council Helpline

From Monday Manchester City Council has set up a dedicated call centre and hub that will send out food parcels, medication, fuel payments and help to combat loneliness during the coronavirus outbreak.

The hotline number – which will be open Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 5.30am – is 0800 234 6123.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service

If you’ve been bereaved and need support or advice, call the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service on 0161 983 0902 or visit their website: https://greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk/

Mental Health & COVID-19

The buzz knowledge and information service have put together a directory with links to information, resources and helplines for anyone who many need any support or help during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Information, resources and helplines

Greater Manchester Law Centre Survival Guides

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Greater Manchester Law Centre has developed a survival kit to support residents and front-line organisations through the current public health crisis.

The GMLC Survival Kit includes comprehensive information to help people protect things such as their homes and jobs, explaining people's rights and clear ways to enforce them.

To ensure you are up to date with changes as and when they occur you can access the live version using the button below.

GMLC are also running a telephone advice service for people wanting advice on housing, employment and benefits issues. This service is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 3pm. Please call 0161 769 2244, or alternatively you can send your enquiry via email: housing@gmlaw.org.uk or benefits@gmlaw.org.uk.

COVID-19 Survival Guides