The fight against Covid-19 continues in Havering. Sadly, deaths locally have now reached levels not seen since the first wave of the pandemic.

At Wednesday’s full council meeting, I tabled a motion to support the vaccine rollout locally. We’re calling on residents to take up the vaccine when contacted and to encourage their friends, family and neighbours to do the same.

The vaccine is our path out of this dreadful pandemic and the only way the restrictions we’re currently living under may be eased. But this will not happen overnight. Until we all have our jabs the only way to protect the NHS and save lives is to continue to follow the rules.

We must all think carefully about our actions over the next few weeks. I also urge residents not to listen to people that are trying to undermine the vaccines – they would prefer us not to be doing anything to keep residents safe.

We’re once again providing support for school pupils and families during this lockdown with free school meals and equipment to enable online learning. We continue to help businesses with additional financial support. Our Havering Helps scheme has now helped over 3,000 residents with more than £500,000 in cash grants and payments to replace and repair white goods, help with utility bills, assist with isolation and put food on the table.

I want to reassure you that while you do your bit, this council will continue to do ours until we have defeated this awful virus