Following government advice that is designed to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, the council has taken a number of steps to help ensure the wellbeing of customers, staff and the wider community, while also keeping essential services running.
This means some of the services you usually use will be closed, or will be operating in a different way.
We are working hard to make sure the services you rely on are available as far as we possibly can, and we are putting additional measures in place to make sure that people in at-risk groups who may be more greatly affected by the social distancing measures are supported.
We understand the changes to our services may be frustrating, but the government advice is clear that we all need to do what we can to stop coronavirus from spreading.
This is to protect the more vulnerable in our communities and to help the NHS manage the demand. You can find the latest NHS information online.
If you need to contact us, our phone lines and online contact forms are available and we are keeping the website updated with information about affected services, and alternatives wherever we have them.
Service status
This page was last updated on Wednesday 8 April 2020.
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Allotments |
The council-owned allotments in the district remain open, although we would remind residents to follow social distancing advice. |
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Abandoned vehicles |
All vehicle removals have been suspended with our contractor unless they are causing a present, clear and immediate danger. |
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Bin collections |
We are currently working as hard as we can to keep your waste and recycling collections running as scheduled. In the event of staff shortages, we will be prioritising domestic waste (green bin) collections. |
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Bulky waste collections |
New bulky waste bookings have been suspended until further notice. Norse South East will complete existing requests provided that the waste is left outside your property for the crew to collect. |
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Business closures |
The government has ordered non-essential businesses and premises to close. Guidance and a full list can be found on the Gov.uk website. Local authorities and the police have been given powers to take action against these businesses if they carry on trading. For more information and to report a business or premises breaking these rules, please contact the Environmental Health Team by emailing ehealth@easthants.gov.uk |
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Business support |
The most up to date information on each scheme can be found on the EHDC website. There is also business support information and guidance on the GOV.UK website. If you have any questions, please email business@easthants.gov.uk. |
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Car parks |
East Hampshire District Council is giving key workers free parking. |
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Council meetings |
The council is currently assessing which council meetings are essential and how best to run those that are. |
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Council offices |
East Hampshire District Council’s offices at Penns Place will be shut to the public indefinitely from Monday 23 March. |
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Council tax |
At this time, East Hampshire District Council will not be deferring council tax for all residents. For those most at need, we are agreeing on a case-by-case basis on changes to their council tax payments. Just 9 per cent of your total council tax bill is received by East Hampshire District Council. |
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Domestic abuse |
Coronavirus will have a serious impact on the lives of women, children and men who are experiencing domestic abuse. Information on where to get help is available on our website. |
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Elections |
The government has postponed elections that were due to be held on 7 May 2020 as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. This includes local and PCC elections. |
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Environmental health |
Environmental health is running a limited service. Cases where there is a risk to human health will be prioritised. All site visits are suspended until further notice. |
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Events |
Events held by East Hampshire District Council will be cancelled or postponed. |
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Everyone Active leisure centres |
Everyone Active has closed its leisure centres for the foreseeable future and has provided guidance regarding its memberships. |
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Fly-tipping |
It may take longer than usual to clear reported fly-tips. Please continue to report these to us. |
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Garden waste |
We will not be accepting any new customers to our garden waste service until further notice. Existing customers will still have their garden waste collected as usual, although there may be delays during this difficult time. |
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Housing |
With immediate effect, our offices are now closed to minimise contact with the public and we will only be able to deal with emergency situations. |
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HWRC |
Household waste and recycling centres in the borough are closed. |
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Meridian Shopping Centre |
The Meridian Shopping Centre will be closed from midday on Wednesday 25 March until further notice. |
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Play areas |
All play areas in the district will be closed until further notice. |
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Police |
Statement from Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney, Chair of the Local Resilience Forum. |
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Pest control |
The pest control service has been suspended until further notice. All further visits to ongoing jobs will be re-scheduled. |
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Play areas |
All play areas around the borough will be closed until further notice. |
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Playing Around East Hampshire |
The Playing Around Easter programme has been cancelled. Our team will be working on refunding everyone who has booked already. |
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Planning |
The development management service is still running but at a reduced capacity. In the first instance, please contact your case officer by email. |
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Public toilets |
All public toilets are now closed until further notice. |
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Schools |
All schools will be closed indefinitely from Friday 20 March 2020. For more information, please visit the Hampshire County Council website. |
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Street litter bins |
It may take longer than usual to empty street litter bins. |
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Textile banks |
The Salvation Army has closed its textile banks. Please don't use these or leave donations by the side. Where possible, please hold any textiles you have so they can be donated once the banks are open again. |
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Vulnerable people |
During the coronavirus outbreak we must make sure everyone has the support, services and supplies they need. EHDC has put together some information on volunteering and supporting vulnerable people. |