Coronavirus service update
More council services have been affected by the continuing public health crisis of Covid-19 and updated government directives.
Slough Borough Council and its staff continue prioritising and protecting services for the most vulnerable with the unfortunate consequence of some public facing services have been closed.
The latest government advice is for everybody who is not deemed as vulnerable to stay at home and only go out for essentials like food and medicine, once a day for exercise and to stay in household units when out, and not to congregate in groups of two or more people.
If residents see gatherings of more than two people who are not in the same household the police have new powers to disperse groups and can be contacted on 101.
The following are in addition to other cancellations and suspensions already announced. They are
• Jobcentre Plus is closed. Residents can access support online at www.dwp.gov.uk where telephone services are also listed (or for UC customers, through your account). Telephone: 0800 055 6688. Textphone: 0800 023 4888. The Universal Credit helpline is 0800 328 5644
• All weddings are cancelled until 14 April and no new bookings will be taken
• All other ceremonies including baptisms and citizenships cancelled until 14 April except funerals.
• All playgrounds and green gyms shut. Allotments and parks still open but residents are not permitted to congregate and to stay in their household units.
• All member surgeries are cancelled. Residents can contact their councillor by finding them here - http://www.slough.gov.uk/council/councillors-committees-and-meetings/
• All Libraries – The Curve, Cippenham, Britwell and Langley are closed and no overdue fines will be issued until the end of May. This date could be extended if required.
• Licensing Service - general information for existing licence holders is that those expected to expire at the end of March, April and May have been automatically extended for three months to June, July and August respectively. Face to face appointments and scheduled meetings have been cancelled and applications may be submitted. For more specific information for alcohol and private hire and taxi licensing go to http://www.slough.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/coronavirus-and-licensing.aspx
• Council services can still be accessed online at slough.gov.uk or call 01753 475111.
The council, along with the police, has been given powers to legally enforce the government directive for cafes and restaurants to close their seating areas. This does not affect eateries which have adapted to become takeaways and are not serving food to the public on their premises.
The same law also requires other businesses were people can socialise to close with immediate effect such as cinemas, betting shops, indoor leisure centres and bingo halls.
If anyone has any information about establishments remaining open please email foodandsafety@slough.gov.uk and the council will investigate.
Slough Council for Voluntary Service, SCVS, is working with the council to coordinate services to reach more people in the borough who need assistance. In addition, it will provide a central point where volunteers willing to help can register their interest.
The partnership will see the establishment of transport links between foodbanks and partners, as well as getting assistance to people who need essential food and medicine deliveries.
Residents can nominate themselves for assistance or a neighbour, friend or family member. For more information go to sloughcvs.org.
Slough Borough Council and its staff continue prioritising and protecting services for the most vulnerable with the unfortunate consequence of some public facing services have been closed.
The latest government advice is for everybody who is not deemed as vulnerable to stay at home and only go out for essentials like food and medicine, once a day for exercise and to stay in household units when out, and not to congregate in groups of two or more people.
If residents see gatherings of more than two people who are not in the same household the police have new powers to disperse groups and can be contacted on 101.
The following are in addition to other cancellations and suspensions already announced. They are
• Jobcentre Plus is closed. Residents can access support online at www.dwp.gov.uk where telephone services are also listed (or for UC customers, through your account). Telephone: 0800 055 6688. Textphone: 0800 023 4888. The Universal Credit helpline is 0800 328 5644
• All weddings are cancelled until 14 April and no new bookings will be taken
• All other ceremonies including baptisms and citizenships cancelled until 14 April except funerals.
• All playgrounds and green gyms shut. Allotments and parks still open but residents are not permitted to congregate and to stay in their household units.
• All member surgeries are cancelled. Residents can contact their councillor by finding them here - http://www.slough.gov.uk/council/councillors-committees-and-meetings/
• All Libraries – The Curve, Cippenham, Britwell and Langley are closed and no overdue fines will be issued until the end of May. This date could be extended if required.
• Licensing Service - general information for existing licence holders is that those expected to expire at the end of March, April and May have been automatically extended for three months to June, July and August respectively. Face to face appointments and scheduled meetings have been cancelled and applications may be submitted. For more specific information for alcohol and private hire and taxi licensing go to http://www.slough.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/coronavirus-and-licensing.aspx
• Council services can still be accessed online at slough.gov.uk or call 01753 475111.
The council, along with the police, has been given powers to legally enforce the government directive for cafes and restaurants to close their seating areas. This does not affect eateries which have adapted to become takeaways and are not serving food to the public on their premises.
The same law also requires other businesses were people can socialise to close with immediate effect such as cinemas, betting shops, indoor leisure centres and bingo halls.
If anyone has any information about establishments remaining open please email foodandsafety@slough.gov.uk and the council will investigate.
Slough Council for Voluntary Service, SCVS, is working with the council to coordinate services to reach more people in the borough who need assistance. In addition, it will provide a central point where volunteers willing to help can register their interest.
The partnership will see the establishment of transport links between foodbanks and partners, as well as getting assistance to people who need essential food and medicine deliveries.
Residents can nominate themselves for assistance or a neighbour, friend or family member. For more information go to sloughcvs.org.
