Service Updates

HWRC (Tips)

All Household Waste and Recycling Centres are open as per normal opening hours.

These sites should only be used for the essential disposal of waste and recycling during lockdown restrictions.

Please note that waiting times may be longer than usual due to restrictions on vehicle numbers.

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.

Please note, 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.

Polmaise Weighbridge

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

Parks, Grounds and Open SpacesOur 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.

Grounds MaintenanceOur teams are currently operating a reduced service.

Litter binsWhere possible please take your litter, including poo bags, home and put them in your grey landfill bin.  

Due to adverse weather conditions and vehicle breakdown, we are experiencing delays with some grey bin collections. 

Please keep your bins out for collection.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause

The following areas will be collected on Wednesday 13th January

Sheriffmuir Road, Dykedale Farm Steadings & Cottage and Logie Kirk area. Collection of the grey bins has been arranged for 13/01/21.

Registration ServicesThe 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.

FuneralsFunerals - attendance at funerals is currently limited to a maximum of 20 people in Scotland.  When organising a funeral or advising on attendance at a funeral service, please refer to the guidance provided by the Scottish Government.

Cemeteries

All cemeteries are open following Government guidelines.

Wedding Ceremonies and Civil PartnershipsWedding Ceremonies and Civil Partnership - wedding ceremonies and civil partnership registrations can take place with a maximum capacity of 5 people (including the couple, the witnesses, and the person conducting the ceremony, 6 if an interpreter is required), provided the venue’s capacity allows for 2-meter physical distancing. 

Wedding ceremonies and civil partnership registrations can take place with a maximum capacity of 5 people (including the couple, the witnesses and the person conducting the ceremony, 6 if an interpreter is required), 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 for the purpose of attending a marriage or civil partnership ceremony is restricted to this minimum number of attendees only.

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

It remains the case that no receptions can take place following ceremonies in Level 4 areas.

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 guidance provided by the Scottish Government.

Building Standards

Building Standards will continue with Remote Verification Inspections and will complete physical inspections in response to Dangerous Building incidents.

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 

Commercial Waste

The Commercial Waste service is currently running as normal for those customers still requiring service during this time, the Council understands that changing restrictions and regulations are affecting businesses within our Local Authority area. If you have found that your waste requirements have changed then contact the Commercial Waste Team by completing our on-line 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 in-doors, in line with Government guidance, are still entitled to use the weighbridge.

Council Tax

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 installments will be deducted on the date(s) previously notified. Those moving to Direct Debit will receive confirmation of their installment dates in advance of the first payment.

Manage 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 installments 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 installments 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.

New local restrictions

New coronavirus regulations will be enforced from 00.01 am, 26 December, 2020 which licensed premises in the District of Stirling Licensing Board area must adhere to. The new regulations can be found on the Scottish Government Website.

Please note there are some changes to the definition of essential retail - including the removal of garden centres and homeware stores from the list - that will apply from 26 December. 

If you have any further queries please contact the Council’s Licensing team on 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.

New local restrictions

New local restrictions

New coronavirus regulations will be enforced from 00.01am, 26 December, 2020 which licensed premises in the District of Stirling Licensing Board area must adhere to. The new regulations can be found on the  Scottish Government Website.

Please note there are some changes to the definition of essential retail - including the removal of garden centres and homeware stores from the list - that will apply from 26 December. 

If you have any further queries please contact the Council’s Licensing team on 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.

Councillors 

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

Personal Licences

If you applied for a personal license and no decision was made before it expired, the application will automatically be extended for six months. Renewal applications can be lodged from 12 months before the expiry date of the licence to one day before the licence expires.

If you are unable to take a refresher training course 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.

Criminal Justice 

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

If anyone is needing any 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.

The Environmental Health service is still operational and responding to requests from businesses and members of the public across Stirling.  If you have an enquiry, please email us.

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.

It is important for all businesses to ensure that they are operating safely during this time and are following all relevant advice to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

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 Co-ordinator: 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-5pm and
01786 404040 - out of hours

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

For bin route information, check our Bin Collection Updates

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:

Christmas TreesYou can recycle real Christmas trees by cutting them up and putting them into your garden bin or recycling them at your nearest HWRC.  We will not be providing additional collections for Christmas trees.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 is continuing across Stirling.

Bin Delivery Areas - January 2021

You can find out when your replacement brown and 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 UpliftsSpecial Uplifts have been suspended and will be reviewed on 1st February.

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

Following Government guidance on COVID-19, our teams will be carrying out emergency repairs only.

Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs are something that might:

• effect your health, safety, security or is likely to
• cause deterioration of the building.

Examples of emergency repairs:

• water penetrating into your house
• unsafe power of lighting sockets or electrical fittings
• insecure external window, door, or lock
• loss or partial loss of gas supply

Further examples and guidance can be found within our Right to Repair and Housing Repairs Policy.

When will we attend?We aim to attend as soon as practically possible, you should not have to wait any longer than 24 hours after you report the issue. We will attend to the emergency repair to make it safe, these repairs often require follow-up appointments.

How to report an Emergency Repair:To request an emergency repair, please use our online repairs form

What happens once I report a repair?Stirling Council will:

• tell you the repairs category for the repair - this is the time allowed to carry out the repair.
• make arrangements with you to get into your home to carry out the repair.
• send you a text message to let you know you have reported the repair.

Further examples and guidance can be found within our Right to Repair and Housing Repairs Policy.

Capital Replacement Programmes

All capital component replacement programmes have also been paused during the lockdown restrictions. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Gas Boiler Servicing

Gas servicing to boilers will continue during lockdown and letters advising of scheduled dates will be issued to those tenants whose boilers are due for inspection.

Rent and Arrears

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.

If Stirling Council has raised a court action against you for not paying your rent or other violations of your tenancy, or if you are facing financial difficulty due to the impact of COVID-19, please contact your housing officer for further information and support.

National Government advice for tenants

PRS Tenant Resource

Please visit our dedicated page for information on Education, Children and Families during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This includes details of the learning arrangements in our schools and nurseries for January 2021. 

All Council Libraries and Archives are closed.

Following Government guidance, the following services have been suspended:

• Select and Collect
• Housebound Service
• Mobile Libraries

On-Street Parking and Car ParksPay and display are operating on the streets and within our car parks.Wellgreen NCPWellgreen NCP is currently closed.  If you have an enquiry regarding your permit, please contact us by email.Parking Enforcement and ControlsParking enforcement and controls remain in place to promote road safety.

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 on-line form.

Bandeath Dog Shelter

Bandeath Dog Shelter is closed to the public.  Stray dogs can be reclaimed by appointment only.  

Lost Dog

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

Stray Dog

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 outwith office hours then phone your local Police office on 101.

Planning

The Planning Service is being provided remotely. We are continuing to receive and deal with planning applications through the Portal at www.edevelopment.scot. We are not able to receive or process paper submissions made through the post. Any representation or objection to a planning application should be made online or by email to planning@stirling.gov.uk

Planners are still available to discuss applications and you can contact them preferably by phone, but you can also email. If officers are out of the office they will contact you back as soon as possible.

Building Standards

The Building Standards Service is being provided remotely. Applications must be submitted electronically through the e-building standards portal.  

Surveyors are still available to discuss applications and you can contact them by phone or email. A full contact list is available here. If officers are out of the office they will contact you back as soon as possible.

Site Inspections 

All general site inspections have been suspended and have been replaced with Remote Verification Inspections to determine reasonable enquiry. This should be discussed with your case officer in advance. We have discontinued drain tests (necessitating a site visit) and are accepting temporary certificates in domestic situations where a final drain test is the only matter outstanding. This may enable occupation of a building allowing the contractor/agent to arrange a drain test at a later date.

In an emergency situation some site inspections will be undertaken in the interests of public safety.

We are continuing to receive and issue Building Warrants and accept Completion submissions and Temporary Occupation certificates.

Copy Documents

We cannot provide copy documents at this time, however we can supply you with an extract from our registers.  This is a document produced from the register with all relevant information on it.  We can only do these for Building Warrants/Amendments or Completion Certificates.  We will not be able to provide copy plans or any other documents at this time.

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

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.

Stirling bus station passenger areas

The internal passenger areas at Stirling Bus Station is closed. 

This includes the Travel Centre, toilets, waiting areas, Shopmobility and the Café.

The external passenger waiting areas and stances will remain open.

Bus Services

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 service P1 will operate a revised timetable.

Castleview Park and Ride service P2 is suspended until further notice.

Travel Cards & Blue Badges

The processing of all National Entitlement Cards and Blue Badges will continue but we will be unable to deal with face to face applications and enquires at Stirling Bus Station after Thursday, 24 December 2020.  

Winter Service

Winter Service comprises the following types of treatment:

• Precautionary Salt Treatment
• Treatment of Ice
• Treatment of Snow
• Treatment of Hard Packed Snow and Ice
• Flooding Events – Including the Sandbag Policy

Gritting route maps

Grit bins

Winter Roads

Frequently Asked Questions

Trading Standards:

Trading Standards are providing a remote service.

Together with colleagues in Environmental Health we are involved in the enforcement of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 and related legislation. 

We will continue to monitor complaints and enquiries about unfair trading or pricing practices, and consumer safety issues.  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 ComplaintsInitial 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.