Third national lockdown – update on council services

It means people cannot leave their home unless for work, shopping for essentials or exercise. 

It follows the alarming spread of COVID-19 nationally. An estimated one in 50 people currently have the virus. 

The purpose of the lockdown is to suppress the virus.  

Government will review its decision on February 15, but the lockdown legislation remains in place until March 31 to allow a controlled easing of restrictions back into local tiers. 

Key information on our public services is below with schools’ information to follow: 

• Libraries and museums are closed until further notice. The libraries select and collect service is suspended but the visa application service continues 

• The Grainger Market will be open for essential goods only. Visitors must wear a face mask unless exempt. 

• The Civic Centre reception will operate on reduced hours, from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Visits should be by appointment only or for accessing emergency services 

• Register office services remain open for death and birth registrations. Deaths can be registered over the phone. You can give notice of intent to marry or to form a civil partnership – all by appointment only. Strictly no walk-ins  

• Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people depending on the size of the venue (20 at West Road Crematorium where live streaming of funerals continues). Linked ceremonial events such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 people in attendance. Anyone working is not counted within these limits 
• Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble 
   
• Funeral directors are requested to scan and e-mail documents where possible and drop off statutory documentation to a central point for collection.  Please contact bereavementservices@newcastle.gov.uk for more information 
• The Hall of Remembrance at the West Road Crematorium is closed to members of the public, bereavement offices at the West Road and Civic Centre are closed to members of the public with additional cleaning taking place between funeral services. 

• All bin collections continue as normal 

• Household waste and recycling centres at Byker, Walbottle and Brunswick continue normally with social distancing and odds and evens car licence plate system in place  www.newcastle.gov.uk/hwrc   

• Car parking charges apply as normal and Shopmobility is suspended 

• There will be no face-to-face advice sessions at the Housing Advice Centre, residents needing support are advised to call 0191 277 1712 or 0191 277 1716. The emergency homeless service is available on 0191 278 7878 

• Homeless services are operational including street outreach service and drop-in centre for people rough sleeping – all in accordance with public health guidelines. For more information on homelessness www.newcastle.gov.uk/homeless  

• The Private Rented Service is not offering face-to-face appointments, residents are advised to call 0191 277 1438 between 9am and 12 noon Monday to Friday, or email privaterentedservice@newcastle.gov.uk  
   
• Parks and play areas remain open but you should only visit with people from your household or support bubble or one other person if you are on your own 

• For taxi drivers, all driver and vehicle licence applications and MOT testing continues but by appointment only. All enquiries to ncclicensing@newcastle.gov.uk  
   
• All adult care homes are open and are following Public Health England guidelines, however visiting restrictions apply – contact your care home to find out more about their visitor policy  

• Some Day Services are closed in line with Public Health England guidelines – contact your Day Service to find out what services they are currently offering 

• YHN repairs service is now gas safety checks, urgent and emergency repairs only. Non-urgent maintenance to properties eg kitchen replacements are postponed until after lockdown ends. Property bidding through Tyne and Wear Homes continues 

For latest updates visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/coronavirus