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Coronavirus: service updates and information

This page is being continually updated with the latest service updates and links to advice and news from other agencies. 

Published: Monday, 23rd March 2020

Council Tax

We understand that coronavirus is likely to have an impact on households and their income, and that some individuals may struggle to meet Council Tax payments. You can request a change in your direct debit plan from 10 to 12 monthly payments. Check to see if you are eligible for a Council Tax Reduction.

We are also warning residents to be on their guard against criminals and scammers exploiting the Coronavirus situation.

Advice for businesses

Street cleansing, business waste and residual waste collections

Our aim is to continue providing waste collections and street cleansing services as normal, in line with all government guidelines. If that changes we’ll let you know.

We have temporarily stopped taking bulky waste bookings and home and garden excess waste bookings and will review this decision in early April.

Double-bag it

If you are concerned about disposing of waste that has come into contact with the COVID-19 virus, we would ask that this waste is, as a minimum, double-bagged prior to collections. This is to maintain public health, the welfare of our collection crews and of course to help ensure that others are suitably protected.

Precautions

In line with government advice, front line services are taking the following precautions to ensure the health of our staff and residents:

·       Our staff, including our drivers and waste operatives, are following social distancing measures

·       All of our staff have been given the ability to sanitise properly as they go about their work

·       All our front line employees have mandatory obligation to wear gloves

Housing and rough sleeping

The government has announced temporary measures to protect renters and landlords affected by coronavirus. The latest coronavirus guidance for landlords and tenants is available here, including a link to the latest Government guidance. All known rough sleepers have been accomodated. If you have nowhere to sleep or are concerned about someone who is homeless or sleeping rough, follow this link for more information. 

Food regulation advice

Businesses providing takeaways and delivering meals into the community may look to change their business model during this time. Click here for guidance.

Information on the situation with food safety, environmental and licensing courses can be found here.

Schools and Household Waste Recycling Centres

Please visit the Oxfordshire County Council news page for the latest information on schools and household waste recycling centres. 

Closure of LinkPoints and leisure centres

Cherwell District Council leisure centres are closed. 

Banbury Museum, Franklins House in Bicester, and Exeter Hall in Kidlington are also all closed. Cherwell District Council’s three LinkPoint offices at those locations are therefore closed too.

If you need information or to contact us, use the “pay, apply, report, book” sections of our website. Alternatively use our “contact us” form to route your queryto the relevant service.

Landscape services

A scaled-back operation has been agreed with our contractors Continental Landscape. This covers grass cutting and emergency tree works only.

Play areas and outdoor gyms 

CDC’s children’s play areas and outdoor gyms are now closed to the public. 

Markets

Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington markets have been cancelled until further notice.

Free parking for employees who cannot work from home

The council will waive parking charges in its urban centre car parks for employees who absolutely cannot work from home. These workers must identify themselves with a letter signed by their employer in their car window confirming that it is essential for them to park in our urban centres to attend work. Read more here. Staff are wiping down pay machines.

News from other agencies in Oxfordshire

Volunteering

Along with Oxfordshire's district councils and city council , the county council fully endorses the initiatives led by the local voluntary and community sector. You can find information on what support is available in your local area by visiting Oxfordshire All In or, if you live in Oxford City, Oxford Together.

If you can or are already offering support in your local area, please add your details to the Oxfordshire All In Response Map by completing this online form This helps other residents know what support is nearby.

If you are able and would like to help local residents near you, there are a number of volunteering opportunities across the county. Find an initiative near you via Oxfordshire All In or if you would like to volunteer in Oxford City, please complete this form via Oxford Together.

National advice

Click here for current national government advice and information on Coronavirus.

Translated Covid-19 guidance

Guidance in the following languages for self-isolation and social distancing is linked below: Arabic, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Polish and Welsh:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people

 

 

 

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