Latest updates

Issues related to coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting the delivery of council services will be posted here. Please check below for the latest updates.



Please familiarise yourself with and continue to follow NHS Scotland and Scottish Government advice.



The Scottish Government has also published this document - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scotland's route map through and out of the crisis.



Shielding



The Scottish Government has announced that Shielding will be paused from 1st August. This is because the levels of infection in Scotland are low enough to do this.

Advice for those residents that have been shielding is to follow the guidance set out for the rest of Scotland from 1st August. You should continue to follow physical distancing and hygiene measures.

We have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may help to answer your questions.

If you need help you can call us on is 0141 276 1185 (operational 09:00 - 17:00 hours Monday to Friday). If you do not receive an answer then you can leave a message and someone will call you back.



If you are able to send us an email then you can email us at Shielding Response.

It would be helpful if you had your letter to hand when you called us and you were able to give us the ten digit CHI number which is printed at the top of the letter. It is not vital that you do this so if you need help please call even if you don't have the letter to hand.

If you have received a food parcel and you need help to lift it into your house please call us.

What are we doing?

We are working closely with Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Health Protection Scotland to monitor and respond to the national situation. Colleagues from across our service areas have been meeting regularly over the past few weeks to identify and discuss the issues. We are working hard to put plans in place manage the situation as it develops, following official advice and guidance.

Different services and government agencies are responsible for leading different parts of our response

Scottish Government Department for Health and Social Care - the Chief Medical Officer confirms each incident

- the Chief Medical Officer confirms each incident Health Protection Scotland co-ordinates the response, information and advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

co-ordinates the response, information and advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) NHS - local and national NHS services are working to test individuals, and provide advice

local and national NHS services are working to test individuals, and provide advice The council works in partnership with these agencies to help residents stay informed, safe and well

While the Government and NHS have preparations in place to deal with this virus, we can all help.

Please familiarise yourself with and continue to follow NHS Scotland and Scottish Government advice.

If you have recently returned from an affected area or are suffering symptoms then please follow the Government advice on the links below or call 111.

Bereavement Services

Changes to bereavement services can be found here.

Bins and Recycling

Please note that the following services will continue as normal

General waste bin collection. Blue recycling bin collection. Resumed - Brown recycling bin collection.



Food Waste Collections



Following a review of the food waste service for flats and tenements, from Monday, 10 August, a new food waste collection system will be trialled in the North West, West and City Centre (West) areas of the city only . The pilot programme will last for eight weeks and follow a 16-day collection cycle. If successful, it could form the basis of a revised service for the whole city in the near future. At the majority of addresses where recycling has been taking place and there are no access issues, food waste bins will be retained. Where there have been issues with contamination and access, bins will be removed and public food waste bins provided instead. All residents affected will be written to directly to advise of the new arrangements. The food waste collection service for flats and tenements remains suspended in the South and North East of the city for the time being and residents there should continue to use their general waste bin for food waste. Further details can be found via the following link: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/16560/Food-Waste-Recycling

Following a review of the food waste service for flats and tenements, from Monday, 10 August, a new food waste collection system will be . The pilot programme will last for eight weeks and follow a 16-day collection cycle. If successful, it could form the basis of a revised service for the whole city in the near future. At the majority of addresses where recycling has been taking place and there are no access issues, food waste bins will be retained. Where there have been issues with contamination and access, bins will be removed and public food waste bins provided instead. All residents affected will be written to directly to advise of the new arrangements. Glass Bin Collection

We are pleased to advise that the collection of purple glass recycling bins from front and back door properties will restart from Monday, July 20, 2020.

Please ensure you check the online collection calendar here for your new scheduled collection dates following the restart of the service. Waste placed at the side of bins will not be collected.

Please note that from Monday, July 20, 2020 we will now be collecting your purple bin every eight weeks - your collection day is therefore likely to change. Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, we found that demand for the service was low with less than a third of purple bins being presented for collection every four weeks. This change better reflects the demand for the service.

By moving to an eight-week collection cycle for purple bins we can recycle glass from homes with front and back doors much more efficiently.

Residents can also continue to use the network of public collection points for glass bottles and jars. Details on the network of points are available on the council website. In addition, from Saturday 18 July, residents can also use their local household waste recycling centre to recycling any glass bottles or jars.

Please continue to support our refuse collection crews by giving consideration to the regular cleaning of bin handles and lids and washing your hands before and after touching bins.

Whilst adhering to the Government advice on physical distancing, please help us by sharing this information with family, friends and neighbours who may not have access online to this information or by sharing on local social media pages.

Brown Bin Recycling

The collection of brown recycling bins from front and back door properties (for food and garden waste) resumed on Monday 11 May 2020.



Please continue to check your online collection calendar for your next scheduled collection date.



Collections will continue to take place fortnightly. Waste placed at the side of bins will not be collected. Alternatively, home composting is an environmentally friendly way of dealing with your garden waste - see the Royal Horticultural Society's composting guide for further details.

Ways to help your refuse collection crews: Please give consideration to the regular cleaning of bin handles and lids. Please wash your hands before and after touching bins. If you see refuse collection crews in the street, please keep a safe distance from them, of at least 2 metres. This is to protect them and you. Our refuse collection crews are delivering essential services under challenging circumstances - please don't be afraid to show your appreciation of their efforts by thanking them, from a safe 2 metre distance. Please be mindful where you park your car on collection days, so that refuse collection vehicles can gain access. With more people at home, residential roads are busier with parked cars making it harder for collection vehicles to get through, this is a particular issue in areas with narrow streets and lanes. Please act responsibly and avoid presenting additional waste.

For Homes or Families with a Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Case Any individuals within households with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case should follow this advice to dispose of their household waste to ensure the virus is not spread via personal waste. All personal waste such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths should be placed securely in a plastic bag or bin liner. This plastic bag should then be placed in another plastic bag and securely tied. These bags must be stored separately to other waste for at least 72 hours before being placed in the green/metal general waste bin.



Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Our centres at Dawsholm, Shieldhall, Polmadie and Easter Queenslie continue to be very busy as the lockdown restrictions are eased and we are urging residents to consider whether visiting is urgent or essential.

Anyone in self isolation or with Covid-19 symptoms must not visit our HWRCs under any circumstances.



Our Household Waste Recycling Centres are open 7 days a week, 8-4pm (last entry 3.45pm)

From Monday 3rd August, vans used by residents will be accepted at Easter Queenslie only between 08:00 - 11:00 and 13:00 - 16:00 . Entry will be refused at any other times. This is to enable us to safely manage the number of vans using the centre.



. Entry will be refused at any other times. This is to enable us to safely manage the number of vans using the centre. Please do not use a van to visit any of our other centres (Dawsholm, Shieldhall or Polmadie) as you will be refused entry.



The total weight of the van must be less than 3.5 tonnes.



All vans are required to report to the weighbridge at Easter Queenslie and not the main HWRC entry point. Staff on site will then provide direction to the tipping location.

Our centres now provide a full waste disposal service, accepting the following waste types:

Bags of household waste

Electrical Items (including lamps, tv screens and monitors).

White Goods

Mattresses

Wood (including small furniture)

Cardboard

Garden waste

Scrap metal

Rubble

Dry mixed recyclables

Textiles,

Cooking oil

Engine oil

Hazardous household items such solvent based paint, pesticides etc

Car batteries.

Please note that our staff will not be able to provide physical assistance to householders to unload material.

Due to the current situation, in order to reduce queuing times and to protect you and our staff there are rules in place that you must follow when visiting one of our centres:

Separate your items into different waste types before travelling to a centre. This will reduce unloading time at the waste centres.

No waste will be accepted by pedestrians.

No commercial waste will be accepted - all waste is subject to a visual inspection by on-site staff and you may be asked to provide proof of where the waste came from. Any waste that is suspected to be commercial will not be accepted.

Only a limited number of vehicles will be allowed to access our sites at any one time. This is due to the continued need for physical distancing between individuals to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Access to our site is strictly controlled on a one-out, one-in basis. Delays in accessing the waste centres should therefore be expected.

Cones and signage are in place help guide drivers safely into the each site. To protect yourself and staff, please keep your car windows closed when the check on Glasgow residence is made and follow the direction of staff on hand to manage traffic.

Physical distancing rules must be adhered to at all times to ensure the safety of you and our staff. We urge people to travel alone to our centres wherever possible. However, if you require to move a larger item then you can bring another person to assist you.

Householders will be asked to provide proof of address by presenting a Council Tax Bill, drivers licence or utility bill - this is to ensure that our sites are only used by Glasgow residents.

Please remember to wash your hands before and after visiting one of our centres.

Please see our frequently asked questions for more information.

Suspended Services

The following services continue to be suspended until further notice:-

Food waste collections from flats and tenements remains suspended in the South and North East of the city and residents there should continue to use their general waste bin for food waste. From Monday, 10 August, a new food waste collection system will be trialled in the North West and City Centre areas of the city only . Please visit the food waste recycling page for more information: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/16560/Food-Waste-Recycling

from flats and tenements remains suspended in the South and North East of the city and residents there should continue to use their general waste bin for food waste. Bulky Waste



Collection of bulky waste was suspended from Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 12 noon until further notice.

While the suspension of bulk uplift is in place please do not leave items on the street. These items will not be collected. Please leave any unwanted items safely on your own property such as your back garden or your back court and remain mindful of any fire risk.



Whilst adhering to the Government advice on physical distancing, please share the above with any neighbours who may not have access online to this information.

Commercial Waste Service



Following some disruption to our commercial waste service due to COVID-19, we can now advise that most of our collection services will be up and running as normal from Monday 6 July. This means we can collect the following waste types from our customers:

General Waste Dry Mixed Recycling Food Glass



Following some disruption to our commercial waste service due to COVID-19, we can now advise that most of our collection services will be up and running as normal from Monday 6 July. This means we can collect the following waste types from our customers: If you are reopening your business

If you are an existing customer and are planning to reopen your business then please get in touch by email commercialservices@glasgow.gov.uk or call 0141 287 4221to advise the date you will start trading. Please note your business name and address in the subject line for emails.

Businesses are reminded that Glasgow City Council operates a strict policy that waste is only permitted on the public domain for up to 1 hour each day. Commercial Services customers must adhere to the collection hour that was originally advised for each waste stream. More information is available here: www.glasgow.gov.uk/tradewasteprocedures

Sack collection days and times can be found by using our interactive map Find your presentation day and time here

Trade waste sacks for general waste and dry mixed recycling- Existing customers



Trade waste sacks can be purchased and delivered to your business address. To place an order, please email tradesacks@glasgow.gov.uk or call 0141 287 9797 during office hours. Sacks will be delivered within 3-5 working days, where possible. Please quote your 6 digit customer number along with your business name, address and contact details along with your opening hours. Sacks will be delivered between 09:00 and 15:00. If you trade out with these hours and would like them to be delivered elsewhere in Glasgow, please state the full postal address when you place the order. The Service Desk at 45 John Street remains closed to the public so unfortunately you will still be unable to collect your trade waste sacks. We will update our webpage as soon as this service becomes available again.



Trade waste sacks can be purchased and delivered to your business address. To place an order, please email tradesacks@glasgow.gov.uk or call 0141 287 9797 during office hours. Sacks will be delivered within 3-5 working days, where possible. Please quote your 6 digit customer number along with your business name, address and contact details along with your opening hours. Sacks will be delivered between 09:00 and 15:00. If you trade out with these hours and would like them to be delivered elsewhere in Glasgow, please state the full postal address when you place the order. The Service Desk at 45 John Street remains closed to the public so unfortunately you will still be unable to collect your trade waste sacks. We will update our webpage as soon as this service becomes available again. New Customers

If you are a new customer and would like to find out more about trade waste sacks or the bin collection services we offer, then please email commercialservices@glasgow.gov.uk or call 0141 287 4221 for assistance.

Invoices

We are still currently reviewing the invoice process for customers who temporarily had to close due to COVID-19, trade waste sack customers remain unaffected.

We thank you for you patience and co-operation during these challenging times.

Charity Textile Banks



Due to the on-going situation our charity partners are not currently collecting textiles from the network of textile recycling banks across the city. Please do not leave any bags of textiles adjacent to the banks as they will not be collected for recycling and to prevent public health issues, may be removed for disposal.

Business and Licensing

Business support - We are administering the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Funds for the Scottish Government in Glasgow, helping to protect businesses and jobs. We have compiled an overview of the types of support available to Scottish Businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic. For further advice and guidance please read our Information for Business Support.



- We are administering the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Funds for the Scottish Government in Glasgow, helping to protect businesses and jobs. We have compiled an overview of the types of support available to Scottish Businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic. For further advice and guidance please read our Information for Business Support. Licensing - Advice and guidance for current licence holders and new applicants on changes to our Licensing service can be found here.



Advice and guidance for current licence holders and new applicants on changes to our Licensing service can be found here. Non-domestic rates - A number of measures of support for businesses to limit the impact of COVID-19 for financial year 2020/2021 have been announced by the Scottish Government. Details of these are available on the Scottish Government website. We are currently working to prioritise implementation of these and will provide further information when available

Glasgow Helps Community Hub - If you need help or to volunteer your services phone - 0141 345 0543.



A new Glasgow hub has been created to help people struggling amid the Coronavirus crisis - linking them to organisations and volunteers who are keen to help. A new helpline has been set up to act as a single point of contact for anyone seeking or offering help. People who volunteer may be asked to help with tasks such as shopping or food delivery or simply having a daily phone call with someone who needs to self-isolate. Thousands of people have already volunteered via various different appeals and the plan is to co-ordinate this effort via the hub and Volunteer Glasgow.



Groups and organisations new to Volunteer Glasgow should click here to register. Following registration staff will be in touch by email. Registration is fast and easy. If you have any queries please get in touch by Email or phone 0141 345 0543.



Further information.

City Property Glasgow

City Property Glasgow - Our offices are now closed, but you can still contact us.

Following Monday night's announcement by the Prime Minister, we have now closed our main office on George Street and Tenant Liaison Office at 46 Albion Street until further notice.

At City Property Glasgow we are committed to doing everything we can to operate business as usual for as long as possible to provide essential services and functions during this challenging time.

Our priorities are the health and wellbeing of our staff, tenants and other stakeholders, whilst also ensuring that we are able to continue to operate during this unprecedented time. To do this, we have put measures in place to enable our staff to work remotely and our enquiry telephone lines are still being answered - numbers can be found below.

Enquiry Phone Lines

General Enquiries - 0141 287 6161

Tenant Liaison Enquiries - 0141 287 1122

Further information can also be found in the COVID-19 Scottish Business Support document (dated Friday 20 March 2020), which details a number of support options available for Scottish Businesses here.

We will try to provide the best service possible throughout this difficult time and will continue to update you as the situation develops following official advice.

City Property Markets

We are delighted to be able to tell you that some of our markets have reopened.

The Blochairn Car Boot Sale will remain closed for the moment as we further investigate and implement the suitable measures to allow for a safe operation.

For more information visit City Property Markets website.

Communities

Please note the following information is not necessarily endorsed by Glasgow City Council. Please follow all Government and relevant guidelines when accessing services.

Supporting Communities Safely

o SCDC Supporting Communities Safely Resources

Community Directories - How to find services in your area



o Glasgow Helps

o SCVO

o COVID-19 Glasgow City Council 'Service Finder'

Grants

o Area Partnership Grants

o Scottish Government Third Sector Resilience Fund

Food Provision

o Food Banks and Community Meals

Energy

o Wise Group HEAT

Non-English Language Resources

o NHS Inform

Refugee / Asylum Support

o Scottish Refugee Council

Staying Well at Home

o Physical Exercise

• Glasgow Club

o Mental Health

• SAMH

• Advice for helping children, young people and their families manage their anxiety about COVID-19

• MentalHealth.org.uk

• Mind

• NHS Apps

o Faith

• Church of Scotland

• Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow

• Glasgow Central Mosque

• Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha

o Police Advice & Guidance

• Protect yourself from Coronavirus Scams

o Gypsy Travellers

o Volunteer Glasgow

Council

Service desk and local revenues and benefits offices - Following government advice to reduce the spread of COVID-19 our main customer service desk based at 45 John Street and local revenues and benefits offices will close from 5pm tonight (18 March 2020). All customers scheduled for appointments on Thursday and Friday will be contacted and given further advice. The services provided in these offices can be accessed online at glasgow.gov.uk and alternative contact arrangements can be found here.



Following government advice to reduce the spread of COVID-19 our main customer service desk based at 45 John Street and local revenues and benefits offices will close from 5pm tonight (18 March 2020). All customers scheduled for appointments on Thursday and Friday will be contacted and given further advice. The services provided in these offices can be accessed online at glasgow.gov.uk and alternative contact arrangements can be found here. Complaints - Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we may not be able to respond to your complaint within the usual timescales. Further information will be provided as soon as we are able. More information about complaints.



- Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we may not be able to respond to your within the usual timescales. Further information will be provided as soon as we are able. More information about complaints. Council - The council has agreed emergency decision-making processes, designed to reduce the need for face-to-face meetings during the coronavirus outbreak.

The city has decided that nearly all committees will be suspended until further notice; with the exception of its City Administration Committee, which will have a reduced membership.



The council's Chief Executive, Directors and Assistant Directors will be authorised to deal with a range of matters - for example applications for licences, permissions and grants - in consultation with the appropriate City Convener or Committee Convener.

However, any proposed action that is contrary to council policy will be referred to the City Administration Committee for a decision. These arrangements will be kept under review and revoked when appropriate.



- The council has agreed emergency decision-making processes, designed to reduce the need for face-to-face meetings during the coronavirus outbreak. The city has decided that nearly all will be suspended until further notice; with the exception of its City Administration Committee, which will have a reduced membership. The council's Chief Executive, Directors and Assistant Directors will be authorised to deal with a range of matters - for example applications for licences, permissions and grants - in consultation with the appropriate City Convener or Committee Convener. However, any proposed action that is contrary to council policy will be referred to the City Administration Committee for a decision. These arrangements will be kept under review and revoked when appropriate. Freedom of Information and Data Protection Subject Access Requests - Please be advised that due to the COVID-19 pandemic it will be unlikely that all information requests are answered within their respective statutory timescales. The Council is working hard to ensure that resources are focused on delivering and supporting essential services. The Council has had to prioritise its resources into critical service areas such as public health, cleansing and social work and education. In line with government guidance, many staff across the Council are working remotely and so capacity and access to our usual computer systems and hard copy documentation is currently limited. You can continue to make requests for information to us under the freedom of information legislation. We will work on any such requests made and send our responses to applicants as soon as we can. We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation.



Please note that the freedom of information telephone enquiry line has been temporarily suspended at this time. You can continue to access many of our services online through this website.

Council Tax/Benefits/Scottish Welfare Fund

Council Tax/Benefits

To support important council services at this difficult time the council is asking those council tax payers who can to continue to make their payments as normal. For those paying by Direct Debit, payments will be requested from your bank in line with the information contained on your most recent bill.



In order to ensure available staff are focusing on delivering the Council's key services at this time all telephone and face to face contact has been temporarily suspended. However you can log-in or register to view your bill and get information on any reductions that may be due and how to apply at www.glasgow.gov.uk/counciltax.



To support important council services at this difficult time the council is asking those council tax payers who can to continue to make their payments as normal. For those paying by Direct Debit, payments will be requested from your bank in line with the information contained on your most recent bill. In order to ensure available staff are focusing on delivering the Council's key services at this time all telephone and face to face contact has been temporarily suspended. However you can log-in or register to view your bill and get information on any reductions that may be due and how to apply at www.glasgow.gov.uk/counciltax. Scottish Welfare Fund



Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic we have received an increased number of applications to the fund, this means that we may no longer be able to meet the 24 hour service level . However, we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can, and we appreciate your patience at this time.



Whilst our Community Care Grant telephone enquiry line has been temporarily suspended, our Crisis Grant enquiry line remains open 09:00 to 16:00 each day.



Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic we have received an increased number of applications to the fund, this means that we may no longer be able to meet the 24 hour service level . However, we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can, and we appreciate your patience at this time. Whilst our enquiry line has been temporarily suspended, our enquiry line remains open 09:00 to 16:00 each day. Community Care Grants

A community care grant aims to help people who may have to go into care unless they get some support to stay at home. Or if they are leaving any form of care and need help to set-up their own home.

Applications for community care grants will be processed within 15 working days. Awards may be given for goods and services.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic we cannot reach as many applications within the 15 day timescale, this means that we may take longer to make our decisions. However, we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can, and we appreciate your patience at this time.

Environmental Health

Food Law and Health and Safety



In response to COVID-19 restrictions, our proactive inspection programme for food law and health and safety is currently suspended. This will allow us to focus our efforts on public health protection and provision of advice to those businesses which require our assistance.



Officers are continuing to investigate and respond to enquiries from both businesses and members of the public in relation to Environmental Health matters. Where possible we will do so remotely, however, where a visit is considered necessary, for example where there is potential serious risk to health or safety, we will take appropriate measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spread to both business operators and our officers.



If your business has a Food Hygiene Information Scheme rating of 'Improvement Required' and you require a 'Pass' rating, please contact the inspecting officer in the first instance. The officer will require confirmation that you have addressed all matters in the report of inspection and will discuss how this can be verified remotely where possible.



In response to COVID-19 restrictions, our proactive inspection programme for food law and health and safety is currently suspended. This will allow us to focus our efforts on public health protection and provision of advice to those businesses which require our assistance. Officers are continuing to investigate and respond to enquiries from both businesses and members of the public in relation to Environmental Health matters. Where possible we will do so remotely, however, where a visit is considered necessary, for example where there is potential serious risk to health or safety, we will take appropriate measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spread to both business operators and our officers. If your business has a Food Hygiene Information Scheme rating of 'Improvement Required' and you require a 'Pass' rating, please contact the inspecting officer in the first instance. The officer will require confirmation that you have addressed all matters in the report of inspection and will discuss how this can be verified remotely where possible. COVID-19

Officers are authorised in terms of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 and will investigate non-compliance with the regulations in commercial premises. To minimise the potential for non-compliance and risk to public health we are also proactively providing advice to businesses.

Businesses currently trading, or preparing to re-open, require to have controls in place to ensure compliance with the coronavirus regulations and wider Health and Safety requirements in relation to COVID-19. It is recommended all businesses are familiar with the Health Protection Scotland guidance for non-healthcare settings as well as the relevant sector specific guidance from the Scottish Government. To assist businesses in preparing and documenting their COVID-19 controls we have produced the following guidance and templates:

Food business should also refer to additional detailed guidance which has been produced by Food Standards Scotland. This includes a risk assessment tool and checklist for businesses as well as guidance to ensure compliance with food law for those businesses which want, or need, to adapt their processes. For those food businesses which are opening after an extended period of closure we have prepared guidance [232kb] on some additional issues which will require to be considered.

Port Health

A MaritimeDeclaration of Health is currently required for

Any vessel that has visited another port in the past 14 days

Any vessel that has had a crew change in the past 14 days

Any vessel that has had a suspect/confirmed case in the past 14 days

This should be submitted to LESFoodSafety@glasgow.gov.uk prior to arrival to allow an officer to review the information.

We are currently unable to carry out ship sanitation inspections, however, one month extensions to existing ship sanitation certificates can be provided on request.

Review

As we progress through the route map set out by the Scottish Government we will continue to review our policy accordingly.

Contact us at LESFoodSafety@glasgow.gov.uk or LESHealthandSafety@glasgow.gov.uk if you require further advice.



Covid-19 Complaints and Guidance



Officers of Environmental Health and Trading Standards are authorised in terms of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 and will investigate non-compliance with the regulations in commercial premises. If you believe a business is not complying with the regulations or Scottish Government guidance then you can contact us at: LESfoodsafety@glasgow.gov.uk if your complaint relates to a food premises, including food retailers, bars, restaurants etc. LEShealthandsafety@glasgow.gov.uk if your complaint relates to Covid-19 controls in non-food premises e.g. hairdressers, tanning salons, tattooists, hotels, department stores and other retailers ts.enquiries@glasgow.gov.uk if you believe a premises is trading when the above regulations require them to remain closed. Guidance for Customers The Scottish Government have produced guidance for retail, tourism and hospitality customers which can be found here. Guidance for Businesses The Glasgow City Council City Services Group webpage has been designed as a central reference point for businesses and includes links to guidance on Covid-19 related issues including queueing, outdoor areas, licensing, food safety, health and safety and other regulatory matters. This includes risk assessment tools and templates which may be of assistance and will continue to be reviewed and developed as further guidance becomes available. As authorised officers in terms of the above regulations, we may contact you to discuss your Covid-19 controls. Where possible we will do so remotely, however, visits will be carried out where considered appropriate. It is anticipated that any non-compliance can be effectively addressed through engagement and cooperation with business. However, formal enforcement action will be taken where appropriate to the risk to public health or where a business refuses to comply.

Glasgow Life

Glasgow Life facilities - further information can be found on the Glasgow Life website.

Homelessness

Changes to homelessness services can be found here.

Housing

Due to the current outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) some of our services have been affected. For further advice and guidance please read our Information for Service Users.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

As of 7 May 2020, the Scottish Government's plans to implement Low Emission Zones across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee have been paused temporarily in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. You can read more about this here. Glasgow's LEZ which was introduced in our city centre on 31 December 2018 and presently applies to local service buses only, remains in place and in force. Development of future phasing for Glasgow's LEZ to include all other vehicle types, has however been paused temporarily. Further updates will follow as soon as possible.

Parks and Gardens

Parks and open spaces - In line with Government guidance, our parks and open spaces are open however there are restrictions in place. If you are in a park or open space you must continue to follow the 2-metre (6ft) physical distancing rule at all times. Public gatherings are still restricted. We continue to urge residents to follow Government guidance and meet safely. From Monday 14 September, the number of people who can gather outdoors is a maximum of 6 people from two households. Officers from across the Council are continuing to work with partner agencies including Police Scotland to ensure that our parks and greenspaces remain safe and welcoming places and free of anti-social behaviour. The safety of all our park users is paramount, if you observe any anti social behaviour please report this by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

- In line with Government guidance, our parks and open spaces are open however there are restrictions in place. Allotments - In line with national guidance, allotments across Glasgow remain open to allow appropriate upkeep of plots by plot holders.



The National Allotments Society has produced detailed guidance on what local associations and individual plot holders should do to comply with the current rules on how to best limit the spread of COVID-19.



Our expectation is that all associations and plot holders will take the time to read and observe this guidance.



The full guidance can be found here.



- In line with national guidance, allotments across Glasgow remain open to allow appropriate upkeep of plots by plot holders. The National Allotments Society has produced detailed guidance on what local associations and individual plot holders should do to comply with the current rules on how to best limit the spread of COVID-19. Our expectation is that all associations and plot holders will take the time to read and observe this guidance. The full guidance can be found here. Play parks - All play parks have now re-opened. We are asking residents to please still remember

To continue to maintain physical distancing (2m) and not to use a play park if it is crowded. Wash your hands before and after using play facilities. To use the bins provided or take any rubbish away with you - please do not litter.



All play parks have now re-opened. We are asking residents to please still remember Events - Updated guidance on holding events can be found here.



- Updated guidance on holding events can be found here. Glasshouses - Botanic Gardens and Queen's Park glasshouses are both closed.



- Botanic Gardens and Queen's Park glasshouses are both closed. Community hubs - Ashgill Recreation Centre and Maryhill Hub are closed until further notice.

Assisted Garden Maintenance - has been suspended until further notice. The suspension of the service will ensure that our resources are prioritised towards the delivery of essential services such as cleansing and our crematoria. In addition, no new applications for the service will be processed at this time. If any existing service user is able to cut their grass, or has someone who can assist, doing so as regularly as possible will help to shred any clippings and minimise the amount of waste produced. Otherwise, the advice is to please compost clippings wherever possible or if you are unable to compost from home, please store your garden waste in a corner of your garden until the service resumes. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and are grateful to the patience of householders during this challenging time. Future updates on this service will be posted on this page.

Planning and Building

Due to the current outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) some of our services have been affected. For further advice and guidance please read our Information for Service Users.

Police Scotland National

Human Trafficking or exploitation

Police Scotland National are asking for your help in keeping our communities safer by reporting any human trafficking or exploitation of children, women and men. For further information please click here.

Registrars

Births - Changes to services can be found here



Changes to services can be found here Deaths - Registrars are now able to carry out death registrations remotely - There are no face to face appointments.



Our hours available to the public for remote death registrations are this week - Monday to Friday 9.00am until 3.30pm and Saturday and Sunday up to 1.30pm. Registering a Death



Registrars are now able to carry out death registrations remotely - Our hours available to the public for remote death registrations are this week - Monday to Friday 9.00am until 3.30pm and Saturday and Sunday up to 1.30pm. Registering a Death Still-birth - Registrars are now able to carry out still-birth registrations remotely - There are no face to face appointments.



Our hours available to the public for remote death registrations are this week - Monday to Friday 9.00am until 3.30pm and Saturday and Sunday up to 1.30pm.



Registrars are now able to carry out still-birth registrations remotely - Our hours available to the public for remote death registrations are this week - Monday to Friday 9.00am until 3.30pm and Saturday and Sunday up to 1.30pm. Marriage and Civil Partnerships



During Phase 2, from 29 June, marriage ceremonies and civil partnership registrations can take place outdoors only

Registrars are accepting notices from couples who intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership, although there are some restrictions in place - please visit glasgow.gov.uk/weddingdays for more information

In order to process marriages (and associated paperwork) already received, Glasgow Registration Service is unable to accept new bookings for proposed ceremonies in August and September*.

*Exceptions would be in the case of urgent ceremonies i.e. terminal illness, armed forces being stationed abroad and cases where a visa to remain here is due to imminently expire. We will continue to review our position and any updates will be added to this page.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found www.glasgow.gov.uk/registrars.



DO NOT HAND DELIVER NOTICES AND DOCUMENTATION- THEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Certificates - Certificates Online service have been temporarily suspended. We can now only deal with current Glasgow death certificates (March/April 2020) as a priority.

From 21 April, we will no longer have the ability to search non current records. Please only contact us if you consider that you have an urgentrequirement. Our search facilities are not be available so there is no guarantee that any such request can be dealt with.

EUSS services - This service has been suspended - Gov.uk offer advice about completing this online.



This service has been suspended - Gov.uk offer advice about completing this online. Genealogy - Scotlandspeople Family History has been suspended until further notice.



- Scotlandspeople Family History has been suspended until further notice. Citizenship ceremonies



Registrars will be resuming (smaller) citizenship ceremonies from Tuesday 25 August 2020.



In the coming days, our team will be in contact directly with those of you who already have a Poll Date from the Home Office (up to 31 March 2020) and have already booked a ceremony with us, prior to lockdown.

If you have a Poll Date after 31 March 2020 and you need a citizenship ceremony urgently on compassionate grounds, please contact the Home Office directly. Otherwise, all other certificates will be dealt with by Registrars in the order that we receive them from the Home Office



Finally, as we move to catch up with certificates processed by the Home Office during lockdown, our usual timescales will be affected however we are working hard to get up to date as soon as possible. Your patience and understanding is acknowledged and appreciated meantime.

Roads and Parking

Charging for on-street parking bays will begin again throughout Glasgow from July 9. The service was suspended in March this year in response to the COVID-19 lockdown as a way to support key workers during the on-going public health emergency. The reintroduction of parking controls will help to manage the increasing demand for parking spaces in the city centre, town centres and neighbourhoods across Glasgow, while promoting road safety for all road users. Enforcement action is already underway in relation to dangerous or obstructive parking and also against those occupying bays disabled drivers and loading. As part of the return of parking controls, any permit holder with a permit due to expire between 24 March, 2020 and 23 March, 2021 will be granted a three month extension to their permit to cover the suspension of the parking service during the emergency period. Anyone wishing to apply for a new permit at this time can email their application to lsparking@glasgow.gov.uk

Schools and Learning

Please visit our new page Recovery, Resilience and Reconnection 2020 for updated information for schools and learning.

School Holiday Childcare for School Age Families of Key Workers Late Application Process Open - Update Friday 19 June 2020

As the school holidays are approaching, we are conscious that families of key workers will still require childcare throughout this period. If you and your partner, are keyworkers from the following categories and require childcare over the summer period, you will need to apply here.

Due to demand, we have extended the closing date to 12 noon on Wednesday 24 June. However, all applications that are now received will be considered as 'late applications'. We will endeavour to review these as soon as possible but cannot guarantee you will receive a place. Parents should make alternative arrangements until we contact you.

The following categories will be applied when deciding who will get access to available childcare and from Scottish Government guidance.

Category 1 - Health and Care workers directly supporting COVID-19 response, and associated staff; Health and Care workers supporting life threatening emergency work, as well as critical primary and community care provision; Energy suppliers (small numbers identified as top priority already); staff providing childcare/learning for other category 1 staff.



- Health and Care workers directly supporting COVID-19 response, and associated staff; Health and Care workers supporting life threatening emergency work, as well as critical primary and community care provision; Energy suppliers (small numbers identified as top priority already); staff providing childcare/learning for other category 1 staff. Category 2 - All other Health and Care workers, and wider public sector workers providing emergency/critical welfare services (for example: fire, police, prisons, social workers), as well as those supporting our Critical National Infrastructure, without whom serious damage to the welfare of the people of Scotland could be caused.



- All other Health and Care workers, and wider public sector workers providing emergency/critical welfare services (for example: fire, police, prisons, social workers), as well as those supporting our Critical National Infrastructure, without whom serious damage to the welfare of the people of Scotland could be caused. Category 3 - All workers (private, public or third sector) without whom there could be a significant impact on Scotland (but where the response to COVID-19, or the ability to perform essential tasks to keep the country running, would not be severely compromised).



- All workers (private, public or third sector) without whom there could be a significant impact on Scotland (but where the response to COVID-19, or the ability to perform essential tasks to keep the country running, would not be severely compromised). Nursery Parents - childcare information:

If your child or children are already attending nursery and parent/carer is a key worker you don't need to do anything.

If parent/carer is a key worker seeking a place and child/children was placed in a GCC local authority nursery, Funded Provider nursery or childminder and

service is open please approach your nursery/childminder directly in the first instance

please approach your nursery/childminder directly in the first instance service is closed please email Education inbox EducationELC@glasgow.gov.uk for assistance.

Early Learning and Childcare - COVID-19 Funded Provider update Thursday 4 June



Following the Council briefing sessions for Funded Providers held on Monday and Tuesday of this week, a number of concerns have subsequently been raised. I would like to take this opportunity to further clarify the Council's position regarding the expansion and our future funding arrangements.



Firstly, the Scottish Government has taken the sensible decision to remove the duty on local authorities to deliver 1140 hours in response to the COVID-19 situation. This recognises the impact of the lockdown, the challenges some authorities and providers were facing to recruit staff and the closedown of capital projects at a critical stage in the expansion programme. Glasgow City Council supports this decision but we recognise that this will be disappointing for parents.



This has been coupled with a national requirement to divert resources to support the ongoing and future childcare needs for key worker and vulnerable families now and into the recovery period for the wider community over what is an indeterminate period of time. The Council has been advised to use its funding for early learning and childcare to pay for this.



I would want to reassure our partner providers that we still intend to build on the good progress we were making towards the 1140 commitment with partners and move as quickly as we can to its expanded provision.



However, the reality is that the prospect of a city wide application and availability of 1140 hours from August is just not possible given the very necessary steps we need to take to keep our staff and children safe. If we are only able to take around half the numbers of children into each nursery then we will need to reduce the offer in order to enable as many children as possible to benefit from high quality early learning and childcare.



I also want to stress that the Council nurseries will face the same challenges. There were some comments on social media which implied that we had provided enhanced funding in some way to our own nurseries at the expense of funded providers. This is not accurate. What we did do was increase our staffing in a planned, careful way trying out different models in advance of the August 2020 deadline. This approach enabled some families to benefit from 1140 hours in the last two academic sessions. This did not detract in any way from our support for funded providers.



As you are aware we have worked with you very closely over the past three years and have been very supportive of the need to secure a financially sustainable funded provider market across the City with the removal of the cap in commissioned places, the move to 900 hours last August and the application of the sustainable commissioning rate a full year ahead of the statutory requirement.



In clarification:

Glasgow is progressing with the new commissioning framework from August as planned and previously advised The actual number of hours being commissioned will vary in response to the prevailing national guidance on ELC opening and operating requirements A minimum of 600 hours (the current statutory requirement) will be commissioned. Existing levels of commissioned placements will continue to be paid (whether utilised or not) as a financial sustainability support We will migrate to 1140 hours as quickly as we can, where this is mutually agreed with providers in accordance with national guidance and local admissions policy and priorities. In the current challenging circumstances it is regrettably not possible to determine when this will be. GCC settings will face the same operating restrictions as funded providers

Following the Council briefing sessions for Funded Providers held on Monday and Tuesday of this week, a number of concerns have subsequently been raised. I would like to take this opportunity to further clarify the Council's position regarding the expansion and our future funding arrangements. Firstly, the Scottish Government has taken the sensible decision to remove the duty on local authorities to deliver 1140 hours in response to the COVID-19 situation. This recognises the impact of the lockdown, the challenges some authorities and providers were facing to recruit staff and the closedown of capital projects at a critical stage in the expansion programme. Glasgow City Council supports this decision but we recognise that this will be disappointing for parents. This has been coupled with a national requirement to divert resources to support the ongoing and future childcare needs for key worker and vulnerable families now and into the recovery period for the wider community over what is an indeterminate period of time. The Council has been advised to use its funding for early learning and childcare to pay for this. I would want to reassure our partner providers that we still intend to build on the good progress we were making towards the 1140 commitment with partners and move as quickly as we can to its expanded provision. However, the reality is that the prospect of a city wide application and availability of 1140 hours from August is just not possible given the very necessary steps we need to take to keep our staff and children safe. If we are only able to take around half the numbers of children into each nursery then we will need to reduce the offer in order to enable as many children as possible to benefit from high quality early learning and childcare. I also want to stress that the Council nurseries will face the same challenges. There were some comments on social media which implied that we had provided enhanced funding in some way to our own nurseries at the expense of funded providers. This is not accurate. What we did do was increase our staffing in a planned, careful way trying out different models in advance of the August 2020 deadline. This approach enabled some families to benefit from 1140 hours in the last two academic sessions. This did not detract in any way from our support for funded providers. As you are aware we have worked with you very closely over the past three years and have been very supportive of the need to secure a financially sustainable funded provider market across the City with the removal of the cap in commissioned places, the move to 900 hours last August and the application of the sustainable commissioning rate a full year ahead of the statutory requirement. In clarification:

I appreciate that the advice shared at the briefings may have given cause for concern amongst providers, particularly if there are perceptions of other councils progressing to 1140 as originally planned.

Until the national guidance is issued and there is greater clarity on the impact of COVID-19 across the entire sector, a prudent and realistic approach is one which we must collectively advocate at this time. It would be wholly inappropriate and potentially damaging to embark on our planning and resourcing on an expectation that 1140 will be universally available as originally planned.

SQA National Courses results update - Wednesday 3 June 2020 In response to the cancellation of this year's exams, SQA has been working on developing an alternative certification model, to ensure the hard work of Scotland's learners is fully recognised through our qualifications system. Following the receipt of refined estimates for learners from schools and colleges across Scotland, SQA has published a statement providing an update on our work this year, including details of our free appeals service. The statement can be read at www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/93920

Learning from home - Scottish Government new guidance - New guidance for teachers, parents and families has been issued on learning and teaching at home for children and young people during Term 4, between the spring and summer breaks. Read the full guidance at https://www.gov.scot/news/guidance-for-home-learning/ Further resources for families - www.parentclub.scot First Bus Kids Activity Pack for Home Learning - www.firstgroup.com/greater-glasgow/news-and-service-updates/kids-pack Scottish Water - Water Cycle Education Kit - www.scottishwater.co.uk/educationpack Glasgow Times - A selection of education experts across subjects are in partnership with the Glasgow Times to offer advice and help to our families with learning from home hints and tips being published in the paper twice a week while the schools are closed across the city - this is to complement the learning packs that were sent home with pupils and the ongoing support our school staff are maintaining directly with their pupils.



Here's a link to the most recent feature for information and to Maureen McKenna, Executive Director of Education's reassurance to our families about putting pressure on themselves to recreate the classroom.



The features will run on a Wednesday and a Friday and will cover literacy and numeracy, STEM, English as and Additional language, PE and active sports, music and creative skills, early learning and advice from educational psychologists.



Read Questions and Answers from Maureen McKenna – Executive Director Education Services [220kb].

Free Meal Entitlement Contingency Plans during school closures - Update 9 June 2020



We have issued Farmfoods Cards to all our eligible parents and carers.



Our parents and carers, whose children and young people were entitled to and in receipt of footwear and clothing grants and/or free school meals on 20 March 2020, have a card to help replace school meal entitlement while pupils are not attending school.



Letters were posted out direct to home addresses with a £20 pre-paid Farmfoods card that can be used to buy food at stores across the city - click here to find your nearest store.



£20 was uploaded every two weeks to eligible families and the final date of top up for this programme is the 8th June 2020. This will take us to the end of term. At this present time, no further top-ups are planned. However, it is important that you keep hold of your card for the time being. As we have come to know, the COVID-19 situation has required regular review and update of plans in response to national advice and direction. Should there be a change, you may need your card if you are to benefit from any future food initiative.

Children and young people will be able to access the summer Children's Holiday Food programme being organised across the city - please see the information below.

The Children's Holiday Food Programme - summer delivery

The Children's Holiday Food Programme - funded by Glasgow City Council and delivered by charities, third sector organisations and community groups - is going ahead during the summer period.

Early in the year, the council agreed to fund 70 organisations with £2.3m to deliver a programme of healthy meals and snacks during school holidays.

However, due to the pandemic, many organisations have had to work differently in order to still deliver some sort of service to families who need them. During April's Easter holiday, these organisations worked hard to adapt their services and deliver food packages including toiletries to areas in the community where they knew it was needed.

The summer holiday programme will likely start off similar to Easter where organisations deliver food parcels, prepared meals, packed lunches, food vouchers to areas across the city and we will publish more information when available.

Schools - The Scottish Government has announced schools across the country to close from the end of the school day Friday 20 March 2020 - we are working on contingency plans to be put in place to support our families and will announce these as soon as we can.



- The Scottish Government has announced schools across the country to close from the end of the school day Friday 20 March 2020 - we are working on contingency plans to be put in place to support our families and will announce these as soon as we can. School lets - All school lets with the exception of Out of School Care Lets are now suspended.

- All school lets with the exception of Out of School Care Lets are now suspended. Enrolment and placing requests - Placing Request Update - 1 June 2020



Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) please note the following regarding enrolment and placing request applications:-



Although Education Services are now accepting all online enrolment and placing request applications please be aware you may experience some delays due to limited staff resources at this time. We thank you for your patience during this time. Placing Request Update - 1 May 2020



Education Services will be posting out more than 2,500 responses to placing request applications on Friday 1 May. Parents and carers can expect to receive their letters over the coming week.



The legislation has been updated and now gives the Council up to three months to convene an Appeal Hearing.

Early Learning and Childcare



Our 52 week nurseries continue to deliver and support childcare for key/essential workers during the coronavirus crisis. Please visit our Glasgow Family Information Service (GFIS) for information on both council early learning and childcare establishments and partner providers (please be aware that some partner providers are closed during the crisis) - https://www.gfis.org.uk/ or call the GFIS new telephone number: 0141 287 7350.

Social Care and Health

Care at Home Services and reduction in service provision - We're taking all necessary steps to ensure our most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the support they need which is why we have taken the decision to move to critical care cover for all areas of the city, in partnership with the Health and Social Care Partnership.



This means we must prioritise service users based on their care needs during this challenging time. Health and Social Care Partnership home care services is also focusing on supporting patients being discharged home from hospital.



Families and carers are being contacted directly to ensure services users are supported.



- We're taking all necessary steps to ensure our most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the support they need which is why we have taken the decision to move to critical care cover for all areas of the city, in partnership with the Health and Social Care Partnership. This means we must prioritise service users based on their care needs during this challenging time. Health and Social Care Partnership home care services is also focusing on supporting patients being discharged home from hospital. Families and carers are being contacted directly to ensure services users are supported. Residential older people care homes - In response to Government and NHS guidance in relation to the spread of COVID-19 we've had to close all our five residential older people care homes to residents' relatives and visitors. We will communicate directly to families and friends. It's paramount we protect our most vulnerable residents at this time of crisis.



- In response to Government and NHS guidance in relation to the spread of COVID-19 we've had to close all our five residential older people care homes to residents' relatives and visitors. We will communicate directly to families and friends. It's paramount we protect our most vulnerable residents at this time of crisis. Older people day care centres - Glasgow Council in Partnership with the HSCP has taken the decision to close all of our 10 older people day care centres across the city affective from Friday 20 March at 4pm. The HSCP is committed to supporting service users to remain at home during this difficult time.

Trading Standards

Our Trading Standards team are checking that shops in Glasgow required by COVID-19 rules to close, are closed. If you think a shop is open that should not be, email the team ts.enquiries@glasgow.gov.uk

Violence Against Women Services

Violence Against Women Services continue to operate during COVID-19.

Please see below for details on service provision:

ASSIST : continues to provide telephone support service to women, men, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Contact ASSIST by Email , by phone 0141 276 7710 to leave a message or visit the Assist Scotland Website.



: continues to provide telephone support service to women, men, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. by , by to leave a message or visit the Routes Out : offering telephone support to current clients. RO will take new referrals - phone 0141 276 0737. RO offering advocacy to benefits, homelessness, addictions services. Harm reduction services continue to be available at Drop In door service only.



: offering telephone support to current clients. - RO offering advocacy to benefits, homelessness, addictions services. Harm reduction services continue to be available at Drop In door service only. TARA : contactable 24/7 by phone only - 0141 276 7724. Office closed. Telephone support and advocacy service for service users. Out of hours will respond, telephone only 12am and 9am. These changes ensure we continue to have service capacity to provide in person responses to urgent cases and/or new referrals. Visit www.tarascotland.org.uk.



All services being reviewed on a regular basis



: Office closed. Telephone support and advocacy service for service users. Out of hours will respond, telephone only 12am and 9am. These changes ensure we continue to have service capacity to provide in person responses to urgent cases and/or new referrals. Visit www.tarascotland.org.uk. Scotland's 24 hour Domestic Abuse is 0800 027 1234

Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700 https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/

Volunteering

Glasgow Helps Community Hub - If you need help or to volunteer your services phone - 0141 345 0543.



A new Glasgow hub has been created to help people struggling amid the Coronavirus crisis - linking them to organisations and volunteers who are keen to help. A new helpline has been set up to act as a single point of contact for anyone seeking or offering help. People who volunteer may be asked to help with tasks such as shopping or food delivery or simply having a daily phone call with someone who needs to self-isolate. Thousands of people have already volunteered via various different appeals and the plan is to co-ordinate this effort via the hub and Volunteer Glasgow.



Groups and organisations new to Volunteer Glasgow should register at:

https://opportunities.volunteerglasgow.org/vk/providers/registration_provider.htm

Following registration staff will be in touch by email. Registration is fast and easy. If you have any queries please get in touch on findvolunteers@volunteerglasgow.org or phone 0141 345 0543.



Further information.

