The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Reduced council and public services in Tayside and Fife
Councils are ceasing many of their regular services as part of the battle against coronavirus.
Bosses said the large numbers of staff self-isolating and the need for parents to look after children due to the closure of schools meant they were having to prioritise workloads.
Dundee City Council is to close community centres and cancel food waste collections.
Dundee and Angus Independent Living and Equipment Centre (DAILCEC) will also be closed to members of the public until further notice from today.
A council statement said: “All food waste collections will stop from next week to allow prioritisation of general waste collections. We would ask all householders to combine food waste with their general waste rather than presenting their kitchen caddies.
“While we focus on delivering priority services, it may take us longer than normal to respond to other service requests, inquiries and complaints.”
DAILCEC service users are advised to contact the council on either 01382 307645/307646 or sw.otclerical@ dundeecity.gov.uk
Council leader John Alexander said: “Covid-19 is already having a significant impact on all our lives and how we respond to this situation will be the measure of our city.”
Some face-to-face services at Dundee House, East Office and West Office will be unavailable from the end of the day today. Members of the public are encouraged to use online and telephone services at dundeecity. gov.uk and 01382 433558.
The cash office will remain open in Dundee House to deal with Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grants.
Perth and Kinross Council said it would focus on essential services such as ensuring pupils are able to access learning; support for vulnerable children and adults; homelessness; emergency housing repairs, refuse collection and burials and cremations.
Employees are being retrained and redeployed where possible.
Perth and Kinross Council chief executive Karen Reid said: “Our staff have shown amazing dedication to the people they serve, volunteering to take on additional roles and to work longer hours so we can deliver essential services.”
The council can be contacted on 01738 475000. For housing inquiries call 01738 476000.
In Fife, the Cupar, Cowdenbeath and Pittenweem recycling centres will all be closed until further notice.
A reduced Dial-a-ride and Ring and Ride service for people who have difficulty using public transport will come into effect from today.
Fife’s community support services and day services for older people will close from 5pm this afternoon.
Planned respite and short break provision for vulnerable people and their carers will also cease for all but the most urgent cases.
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership said risk assessments would be done to ensure contact was maintained with those deemed to be most at risk.
Citizens Advice and Rights Fife (CARF) took the decision to stop face-to-face services with effect from 5pm yesterday but can be contacted on 0345 1400 095 for general inquiries or 0345 1400 094 for debt advice.