Service Updates

We are experiencing a small backlog in the delivery of new or replacement bins. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

If you have made a request for a new bin, it is being processed and will be delivered as soon as possible. 

To request a new bin please visit our dedicated page.

Bin Collection Date

You can find out your next collection date by using our postcode search:

Registration Services

The Registration Service is open for essential services:

• The registration of Births, Deaths, Stillbirths, Civil Partnerships & Marriages
• The solemnisation of civil marriages and accepting & processing marriage paperwork for marriages and civil partnerships.

Funerals

Attendance at funerals is currently limited to a maximum of 50 people in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has published guidance on travelling to a funeral.

Post-funeral gatherings, such as wakes, can also take place with a maximum capacity of 50 people. Alcohol may be served.

When organising a funeral or advising on attendance at a funeral service, please refer to the Scottish Government guidance.

Cemeteries

All cemeteries are open following Government guidelines.

Wedding Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships

Wedding ceremonies and civil partnership registrations can take place with a maximum capacity of 50 people (including the couple, the witnesses and the person conducting the ceremony), provided the venue’s capacity allows for 2-metre physical distancing. 

Travel within and to/from Scotland from the rest of the UK, ROI, and Jersey to attend a marriage or civil partnership ceremony is restricted to this maximum number of attendees only. The Scottish Government has published guidance on travelling to and attending a wedding or civil partnership.

Physical distancing, face coverings, and sanitising measures remain requirements for ceremonies.

Receptions can also take place with a maximum capacity of 50 people. Alcohol may be served.

Couples who choose to postpone their ceremony, as a result of these new restrictions may be eligible for an extension to their notices.

When organising a wedding or civil partnership, please refer to the Scottish Government guidance.

Building Standards

The Building Standards service will continue to utilise our Remote Verification Inspection (RVI) approach as the primary method to verify construction in accordance with Scottish Government guidance. We are expanding our ability to undertake more physical site based inspections for external works where it is safe to do so.

Planning

Planning is prioritising the backlog of planning applications. Unfortunately, pre-applications will not be responded to.

For information on emergencies and emergency planning click here 

Extension to Periods of Validity

If your Building Warrant is due to expire in the next 6 months and you are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the construction being completed in time you can apply for an extension. It is available to download here and any questions can be discussed with the duty officer or emailed to buildingstandardsadmin@stirling.gov.uk

Tree Works Applications

All applications must be submitted electronically via Tree Works and High Hedge Notices

The Commercial Waste service is currently running as normal for those customers still requiring service during this time. If you have found that your waste requirements have changed then contact the Commercial Waste Team by completing our online form.

We will be happy to make temporary changes or postponements to contracts to support your business needs. Please note that we are currently receiving a high volume of customers contacting us and may take longer than usual to process requests; any changes to contracts will commence from the date of the request.

Polmaise Weighbridge

Contractors who work outdoors can continue to use the weighbridge as normal.  Contractors who work indoors, in line with Government guidance, are still entitled to use the weighbridge.

If you normally pay your Council Tax in person but are unable to do so, we would ask:

Pay by Direct Debit

You can pay weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly or monthly. Monthly direct debit payments can be made over 10 months or 12 months on the 1^st, 5^th, 10^th, 17^th, 23^rd or 28^th. If you would like to start paying by direct debit:

• Complete the online form
• Phone 01786 233210 with your bank details
• Pay By Plastic Swipe Card at any post office or shops displaying Paypoint signs

For existing, Direct Debit payers instalments will be deducted on the date(s) previously notified. Those moving to Direct Debit will receive confirmation of their instalment dates in advance of the first payment.

Managing Your Account

You can sign up for e-billing, manage your account online and tell us about changes. To do this please visit our Council Tax Portal

Paying On Time

Your instalments have to be paid on time.  If you pay with the swipe card at a post office or at a shop displaying a Paypoint logo, you need to allow 5 working days for the instalments to reach your account.

Problem Paying Your Bill

If you have a problem paying your bill, please contact us without delay so we can help you avoid formal recovery action and additional charges. Email queries to arrears@stirling.gov.uk or phone 01786 233177.

Households with a low income may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction.

Any questions relating to:

Council Tax Benefits can be sent to finservices@stirling.gov.uk or phone 01786 233210. 

Council Tax Arrears email queries to arrears@stirling.gov.uk or phone 01786 233177.

Criminal Justice 

The Stirling Justice Social Work Service provides support for people subject to Community Payback Orders and Prison Through-care.

If anyone needs support because they or a family member are having dealings with the Justice System (Community or Prison) then please contact your worker directly on their mobile phone or contact 01786 233950 and someone will call you back.

Councillors 

To contact your local Councillor about surgeries please visit our dedicated page.

Liquor Licensing

Coronavirus regulations are likely to change frequently as restrictions ease, and it is essential that licensed premises in the District of Stirling Licensing Board area monitor these changes and comply with current requirements. The regulations can be found on the Scottish Government website.

If you have any further queries please contact the Council’s Licensing team at liquorlicensing@stirling.gov.uk. Please note, the team is responding to enquiries as quickly as they can but we are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and emails.

Personal Licences

If you applied for renewal of your personal licence and no decision was made before it expired, your existing licence will automatically be extended for six months.  If you are unable to submit your renewal application in time (that is, at least 3 months before the expiry of your current licence), or to take a refresher training course when due, for a reason related to the Coronavirus crisis, please contact the licensing office via email at liquorlicensing@stirling.gov.uk or 01786 233612. Licence holders are encouraged to explore options for undertaking the training online.

Because of COVID restrictions, it may not be possible to process licence applications within the normal timeframes. The Licensing team can provide further advice regarding how long it may take to determine your application.

If you have concerns about a business in Stirling not complying with the Government Guidelines, please report your concerns by completing the online form.

The Environmental Health service is still operational and responding to requests from businesses and members of the public across Stirling. 

The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent legislation and guidance have led to changes in the ways businesses must operate. Environmental Health and Trading Standards enforce this legislation in partnership with Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive.

Current controls and guidance are available on the Scottish Government website.

As the regulations and guidance change often businesses should ensure they keep up to date with the evolving situation. For sources of information refer to the following websites:

• Health & Safety Executive - Coronavirus information 
• Health Protection Scotland - Coronavirus guidance               
• Food Standards Scotland - Coronavirus information 
• Scottish Government Guidance 

Information for Landlords and Letting Agents

The Scottish Government has compiled a list of FAQs in partnership in relation to advice for private landlords and letting agents.

PRS Landlord (non-business) Covid-19 Loan Scheme

Enquiries can be sent to the Scottish Government at PRSLandlordCovid-19Loan@gov.scot

You can also contact the Stirling Council Private Rented Housing teams via:

Private Rented Housing Team: 01786 237678

Private Rented Housing Enforcement Officers: 

Andrew Paterson 01786 237704 – patersona3@stirling.gov.uk

Mhairi Gilfillan 01786 237699 – gilfillanm@stirling.gov.uk

Admin Support Officer: Kate MacGregor – 01786 237722

Service Coordinator: Fiona Scott 01786 237753 - scottf@stirling.gov.uk

Housing Allocations

We are continuing to allocate and let Council properties during the current lockdown. We would like to assure you that if you are being reached for an offer of housing, someone from the Allocations Team will contact you. 

Unfortunately, our Customer Contact Centre and Allocations team are unable to provide positions on the waiting list at this moment in time.  This is to allow us to prioritise work to ensure that those in the most housing need are housed as quickly as possible.

We are also unable to carry out mutual exchanges at this point, though we plan to re-start this service once restrictions are eased to tier 3 or below.

Homelessness

Housing Management and Homelessness services will be dealing with all enquiries by phone or by email. 

If you are struggling with your rent and arrears or any other aspect of your tenancy due to the impact of COVID 19 please contact your housing officer for further information and support on 01786 404040.

If the phone or online communication does not suit we can arrange to meet in person (adhering to Scottish Government guidance) to assist with welfare rights, debt advice, or income maximisation.

We are still allocating (letting properties) as house moves are permitted. We would ask you to adhere to Scottish Government guidance on social distancing, use of face masks, hand sanitising when viewing or signing up for properties.

Our Estate Management Service is also still in operation except for face-to-face visits.

We will still be providing a Homeless Service and this can be accessed by phoning:

01786 237900 - Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm and
01786 404040 - out of hours

Or visit in person Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm:
Springkerse House, 
5 Springkerse Road,
Stirling,
FK7 7SN

Bin CollectionsHousehold bin collections are operating as normal, please present your bin at the kerbside or your agreed collection point by 7am on the morning of your collection day.  

Use your postcode to find out your collection day:

Food Caddy LinersAs all Libraries are closed we are unable to supply you with food caddy liners.  Food caddy liners can be purchased from most supermarkets or you can wrap food waste in brown paper/newspaper before placing it into your brown bin.Brown and Grey Bin ReplacementThe brown and grey bin replacement are continuing across Stirling.

Bin Delivery Areas - January 2021

You can find out when your replacement brown and the grey bin will be delivered by checking the FAQs or by using our postcode search here.

If you have not received a replacement bin yet, but your old one has been removed, please report this by completing this online form. Special Uplifts

Fridges/Freezers (domestic types only – items must be empty and hygienic). We can now accept American wide-fronted units, units with glass-fronted doors.  We cannot accept chest/deep freezers, No gas/ammonia units.

To request a special uplift, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01786 404040, Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm.

If you wish to dispose of recyclable bulky items, please visit your nearest HWRC site which is open as normal.

Additional Bin Capacity

To request a larger grey bin, please head here.

Please note that under the Council’s new Waste and Recycling Policy that was adopted on 11 February 2021, the following changes to additional bin capacity will apply later this year (we will advise residents when these changes take effect):

• A household of five or more, rather than a household of six or more, with excess non-recyclable, can apply for their standard 240L grey bin (general waste) to be swapped for a larger 360L grey bin.
• Households with two or more children in nappies will now be able to apply for the non-hazardous healthcare waste collection service – an additional 240L grey (general waste) bin.

Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) (tips)

All Household Waste and Recycling Centres are open as per normal opening hours.  Please note that waiting times may be longer than usual.

If you or someone in your household is showing symptoms of COVID-19 please follow government guidelines and do not travel to any of our Household Recycling Centres.

ID checks are in place at our sites with all customers required to provide proof of address upon entry.  Acceptable forms of ID include photographic ID such as a driver's license with Stirling residency noted or a passport with accompanying utilities bill/receipt containing address details. 

Please visit our HWRC pages for opening hours/days and full guidance.

Please visit our dedicated page for information on Education, Children and Families during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Libraries

Libraries have resumed with the following services:

• Select and Collect
• Housebound Service
• Mobile Libraries

A phased re-opening of libraries is underway with appointments for browsing and computer access now possible in many locations – please check your library for details.

You can now contact libraries to request books, DVDs, food and dog waste bags, sanitary products and hearing aid batteries. 

Library Timetables.

Archives

The Council Archives will be opening to researchers again on an appointment-only basis from 26^th April. Pre-booking is essential. Please contact the Archives for further details. You can phone us on 01786 450745 and chat about your research needs or drop us an email at archive@stirling.gov.uk

On-Street Parking and Car Parks

Pay and display are operating on the streets and within our car parks.

Wellgreen NCP

Wellgreen NCP has reopened. For more information and opening hours, head here. If you have an enquiry regarding your permit please contact us by email.

Pest Control

We are currently only able to investigate and treat rodent (rats/mice) issues outside a domestic property.  To request a Pest Control Service complete the online form.

Bandeath Dog Shelter

Bandeath Dog Shelter is now open to customers and volunteers by appointment only. To arrange an appointment, call the Contact Centre on 01786 404040.

Lost and Stray Dogs

To check if your lost dog has been taken to Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter phone 01786 404040 or report this online 

If you wish to report a stray dog, phone Stirling Council’s Dog Warden Service on 01786 404040 or report this online 

If you have taken possession of the dog and wish it to be uplifted outside office hours then phone your local Police office on 101.

Gulls

We are unable to help with any issues that may occur due to gulls, commonly known as seagulls.

We recognise that this can be a problem for a lot of our communities, especially in the summer when they are nesting. The RSPB provides general advice about gulls. 

Parks, Grounds and Open Spaces

Our parks, grounds, and open spaces are open and can be used for sport, exercise and social interaction.  Please make sure you continue to follow Government guidance.

Allotments

Allotments remain open to allow appropriate upkeep of plots by plot holder.  Plot holders are required to comply with The National Allotments Society guidance.

Community Centres and Venues

Stirling Council Community Centre's and venues remain closed.

Booking staff can still be contacted on the Bookings line, 01786 233952 or by email

Please note due to reduced staffing, we may take longer to answer your enquiry.

Public Toilets

All public toilets are closed.

Bus Services

The internal passenger is open and operating as normal at Stirling Bus Station. For up to date information on bus services please contact the operator, visit our Transport Service Changes page, visit Traveline Scotland, or call 0871 200 22 33.

Park & Ride

Springkerse Park and Ride and Castleview Park and Ride have resumed normal service.

Travel Cards & Blue Badges

The processing of all National Entitlement Cards and Blue Badges will continue and we are available to deal with face to face applications and enquiries at Stirling Bus Station.

Following recent Government announcements, updated advice and guidance has been provided for taxi and private hire licensees.

If you have concerns about a business in Stirling not complying with the Government Guidelines, please report your concerns by completing the online form. 

Trading Standards are providing a remote service.

We will continue to monitor complaints and enquiries about unfair trading or pricing practices, and consumer safety issues that are received via Advice Direct Scotland.  These will be assessed and dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and in accordance with the present Scottish Government and NHS requirements.

Consumer Complaints

Initial requests for advice should be directed to our partner agency, Advice Direct Scotland.  You can contact them by email or by phoning 0808 164 6000

Their adviser will:

• Give you practical advice on how to resolve your consumer problem
• Inform you of the consumer laws which may apply to your situation
• Pass relevant information to the appropriate Trading Standards authority for consideration/further investigation

Business Advice Request

Businesses requiring advice or guidance on legislation enforced by the Service should email us.

Buy with Confidence

Our Trusted Trader members will deal with requests for work in accordance with the UK and Scottish Government / NHS advice.