EAST Hampshire District Council will be working with other councils and organisations to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement the authority based at Penns Place in Petersfield said it will be liaising with Hampshire County Council.

It will also be looking to work the voluntary sector to provide the right assistance to vulnerable people.

The statement added: "While people are being asked to avoid social contact many businesses will inevitably be hit."

And in the recent Budget the Chancellor announced that businesses with a rateable value less than £51,000 would not be obliged to pay business rates; business rates are normally collected by the council.

The Chancellor also announced a £500 million Hardship Fund for councils to provide to their communities.

The council statment said: "The aim of this fund will be to help in a range of different circumstances, such as preventing homelessness where a homeowner has been made redundant, helping those on zero hours contracts who are struggling to afford food for the family, or supporting badly hit businesses."

For corunavirus information over the coming days visit the council website www.easthants.gov.uk