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  • Major council IT system maintenance from 27 May (for around one week): we are carrying out planned essential maintenance work on the council’s IT systems. During this time, many of our online services are unavailable. Where relevant, planning consultations will be extended by 14 days. We will update this banner message as the work progresses. − During this time you can still contact us for other enquiries via our enquiry form or by phone. We apologise for any inconvenience. Find out more information on this work.

Council services over Christmas and New Year 2023/24

A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public.

Abbey House – Reception will close at Abbey House from 4pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Waste collections – all you need to know about waste collections over the Christmas and New Year period – including the changes to the collection dates and what to do if collections are disrupted – is on our Christmas waste page.

Housing – If you know anyone who is at immediate risk of being made homeless while our offices are closed, contact our out-of-hours service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number to call 01235 422410. If you see someone sleeping rough and in an emergency situation you can call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914.

Cost of living help – The Community Hub will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024 at 8.30am. If you need support or advice over the festive period please go to our Cost of living help pages for more information or please contact our emergency out of hours phone number – 01235 422420.

Planning – Any planning applications or post submitted after we close for Christmas, including electronic submissions, will be treated as having been received on our next working day, Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Council tax and benefits services – If anyone needs urgent help with council tax or benefits during the holidays, Capita’s phone lines will be open as usual between 27 and 29 December.

Emergency Situations – There are details of what to do and who to contact during an emergency on our websites – Emergency situations

Leisure Centres and Warm Spaces – over the Christmas period there will be changes to the opening times of our Better Leisure Centres, please check via the Better UK website or with staff at your local centre for details.

Our Leisure Centres are also open as Warm Spaces this winter from 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday. Pop in and charge your phone, have a hot drink and chat with others