Latest West Lindsey District Council service disruptions

Chief Executive of West Lindsey District Council, Ian Knowles said: “We are concentrating our efforts on delivering the critical services to residents, businesses and supporting our communities and staff. “We have kept the number of key workers to a minimum (as many are able to work remotely) this is to ensure we do not put any undue stress on the NHS and keep school places available for those people who do need it. “We are doing everything we can to ensure social distancing is carried out and as a result all non-essential face to face contact with the council has now been suspended. “All contact with customers/clients or residents must be through website, email or phone during this time. “The health and wellbeing of our communities and our staff are central to every decision that we make and we are working closely with our partners to make sure we can support the most vulnerable people who need our help.” Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Coun Giles McNeill said: “I understand the concerns of local businesses, as our economy is put under enormous strain by Covid-19. “People are understandably concerned too about their families, job and finances. “At West Lindsey District Council we are working with colleagues across the county to deliver locally the UK Government’s response. “My officers are working tremendously hard to understand the government grant situation, the impact on council tax and much more besides; whilst still providing everyday services like refuse collection. “I wanted to reassure everyone that we are striving to get these questions answered and then when we come through we can build a brighter future, together for everyone.” Disruptions so far: • Car parking permit payments - West Lindsey District council are taking a proactive approach to suspend all car parking permit charges via direct debit for an initial period of three months this will be done automatically with immediate effect. Permit holders do not need to take any further action. • Car parking charges have also been waived for three months.  • Building Control – The West Lindsey Building Control team are no longer undertaking general site visits and building regulations inspections. If you have a project that is at a stage where a site inspection would be required then please contact the Building Control team via phone or email. The team is still working remotely and whilst practising social distancing. Dangerous structural reports will be dealt with appropriately dependent on risk.  • Waste Services - Refuse, recycling, garden waste & commercial waste collections are running as normal today. We have suspended new bulky waste bookings with immediate effect to concentrate our limited resources in helping our affected communities. Existing bookings will be honoured. Household Waste Recycling Centres have now closed to the public with immediate effect. • Home Choices Team - The team will be prioritising new housing register applications for those applicants who would meet the criteria for Band 1 and 2. This is until further notice.  • Council Tax payments - If you are having difficulties making your Council Tax payments you should contact the Revenues team and we may be able to change or extend your payment plan or provide a temporary ‘payment holiday’ during this time.  • Government Support for Business - A range of support measures have been announced by the Chancellor and WLDC are still waiting for confirmed details of how grants and loans can be accessed. The latest information on funding and resources for businesses affected by COVID-19 is available at www.westlindsey.gov.uk/coronavirus-business • West Lindsey Public Toilets have now closed to the public • Lea Fields Crematorium - The crematorium will continue to operate as usual other than the public office which will be closed until further notice. The main aim is to minimize disruption and further upset for our families in this unprecedented times but we are having to put additional measures in place to protect people. To protect vulnerable groups and key workers we are limiting attendance at funeral services to the immediate family: •Spouse/Partner •Parents/Carers •Brothers/Sisters •Children (and Partners) You can contact the crematorium on 01427 676500 or by emailing crematorium@westlindsey.gov.uk • For the latest service disruptions visit: www.west-lindsey.gov.uk-coronavirus