Coronavirus Updates 2020

This page will contain all the latest updates and information during the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

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The Council has been coordinating a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in recent weeks and has arrangements in place to prioritise those services which the support the most vulnerable.

 

The Council urges all residents to keep up to date with the most recent advice and guidance available on the Public Health Wales website.

 

As further decisions are taken, these will be communicated via our website and social media feeds.

 

 

• 19/05/2020 - Recycling Centres
   

  The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres are due to re-open from Tuesday 26 May but by appointment only, in order to help comply with social distancing regulations, protecting residents and staff. 

   

  Re-opening of Household Waste Recycling Centres

• 15/05/2020 - Parks and Gardens

  Cosmeston, Porthkerry and other parks will be available for exercise only to those living locally from Saturday. However, leisure activities such as sunbathing, picnicking, barbeques and social gathering remain prohibited as does the use of any play equipment. 

   

  Facilities within the locations such as public toilets and other amenities will remain closed and it is recommended visitors bring hand sanitiser for personal use.

   

  Amendments to restrictions in parks

• Young Workers – Child Workers during Covid19

  We are aware that many young workers are not working currently as the work they undertake is NOT considered a key activity and therefore not essential.  However, if you are currently employing a young worker as they are undertaking a key activity, you must ensure that additional safeguards are in place to protect the wellbeing of young workers during the current government restrictions due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

   

  If a young worker (of Compulsory School age) is currently working for you, you must ensure the following.

  • The young worker has a work permit which has been issued by the Vale of Glamorgan Council

  • The Young Workers Risk Assessment which you have carried out in line with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, as amended by the Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations 1997, includes a section specific to Covid 19 restrictions outlined guidance from Welsh Government, the NHS and the World Health Organisation, to ensure that young people are not exposed to risk unnecessarily. 

   

  We can support you with provision of a  generic risk assessment which can be amended by you to suit Young Workers specific work in your organisation.

   

  New work permit applications:

  All new work permit applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

   

  If you would like further information or to discuss any issues or concerns please contact:

  • CIEE@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

• 15/05/2020: Public Footpaths

   

  The Vale of Glamorgan Council previously closed Public Footpaths at Cosmeston Country Park, Portkerry Country Park, Dunraven Bay, Ogmore by Sea and Atlantic College.

   

  All of these closures, which were introduced as part of coronavirus measures, have now been lifted. No formal closures associated with coronavirus remain in place at this time.  

   

  When making use of public paths please exercise responsibly, stay local and follow public health advice.

   

  Following the lockdown landowners have raised concerns about increased use of public rights of way on their property, increased numbers of dogs, and perceived risks of exposure to Covid-19 for residents and farm workers, particularly where family members are either vulnerable and/or self-isolating.

   

  To help address this, the Welsh Government have published guidance: 'Stay active, stay healthy, stay local' and increased messaging around responsible recreation.

   

  Landowners do not have the legal right to block or obstruct public rights of way or access land. However, in very limited circumstances where large numbers of people are using such routes or where residents are vulnerable or self-isolating, landowners may consider the following measures:

  • Temporarily displaying polite notices that encourage users to respect local residents and workers by following social distancing guidelines and consider using alternative routes that do not pass through gardens or farmyards*. 

  • Offering an alternative route around gardens and farmyards only where it is safe to do so (you must gain permission from relevant landowners and make sure the route is safe for users and livestock) provided that the original right of way is maintained.

  *This is a polite request only, and there is no power under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) or the Highways Act 1980 for landowners to close or obstruct a public right of way or use of access land

   

  Key points to note under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Highways Act 1980:

   

  • Under Section 137 the Highways Act 1980 and section 14 of CROW it is an offence to obstruct the free passage along a public right of way or Access Land.

  • It is an offence under Section 57 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to display a notice that contains “any false or misleading statement likely to deter the public from using” a right of way.

  • It is also an offence under section 14 of CROW to display a sign which deters the public from exercising their right to use that access land.

  • It is an offence under Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980 to display on the surface of a public right of way or on any tree or structure within the public right of way any unauthorised sign or mark.

  • Land owners may be liable for personal injury under section 2 of the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 and Section 1 of the Occupiers' Liability Act 1984 if they are reckless or intend to create a risk – for example by offering a dangerous alternative.

   

  This means that:

  • If a land owner offers an alternative route, they must ensure that it is safe to use and that the existing right of way or use of access land is maintained so that users with differing abilities have a choice.

  • A notice must not imply that there is any doubt about the use of the existing right of way or use of access land.

  These temporary measures must be lifted as soon as social distancing measures are relaxed.

   

• Information to taxi and private hire licensees

  We understand that the taxi and private hire trade in Wales may have a number of concerns and queries regarding the possible implications of the coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak.

   

  HM Government has published up-to-date information on the Coronavirus (Covid 19) and guidance for the transport sector.

   

  • Coronavirus Information to taxi and private hire licensees

• Information for Vale of Glamorgan taxi drivers

  We will only be processing taxi driver renewals at present.

   

  You must provide all of the required documentation i.e. including medical self declaration form, evidence of right to remain in UK, and a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Certificate (where applicable). 

   

  If you are unable to do this now (i.e. because you are not working or unable to work), you will be able to submit your application at a later date with no penalty i.e. as long as all your documents are valid, and you have no further convictions, you will be re-licensed from the date your application is approved.

   

  Reminder letters have been sent to all drivers due to expire up to the first week of June and we will continue to send out reminder letters.  Please inform us of any change of address or contact details as soon as possible.

   

  Your reminder letter explains what is needed for each particular application.  Please read this information carefully before you submit your application.

   

  If you do not need a medical or DBS this year, you can email your application form, together with a copy of the front of your DVLA driving licence to licensing@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

   

  You must also provide the DVLA check code for us to process.

   

  If you need a DBS, or need to confirm your Right to Work, follow the procedure set out in the reminder letter pack.  You will be asked to scan your DBS documents and/or right to work documents to us. 

   

  It will not be necessary to forward the original documentation at a later date unless we have any further queries.

   

  Once we have received a valid application we will contact you with details of how to pay the fee.

   

  You will need to have your driver badge to hand when you pay as your driver badge number is needed for your Reference number.

   

  Once the application has been verified, a licence will be emailed to you.  The driver photo-card will follow at a later date.

   

  You may also post an application, with the information referred to above, to:

   

  Licensing

  Civic Offices

  Holton Road

  Barry

  CF63 4RU

   

  However, as there is limited access to postal services at the moment, this is likely to delay your application so try to apply as early as you can.  Again, we will contact you to explain how to pay the licence fee.

   

  Any current driver that cannot be licensed because they cannot produce the required documentation or does not wish to work during the Covid 19 crisis will not be penalised.  When a valid application is made it will be granted under the existing procedures e.g. the current late renewal process is suspended.

   

  It may take longer to respond to email enquiries but our licensing@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk mailbox is being monitored.

   

  If you use the CIV contact centre, please leave an email address if you have one.

   

  We may need to update this information from time to time and will post any changes to the main Vale of Glamorgan website under the Covid 19 update Section at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

   

   

  Please see the section on Group 2 medicals if you are due to provide a medical certificate this year.  

• Group 2 Medical Arrangements

  The Department for Transport is aware of the current difficulties in obtaining medical examination reports, used for the Group 2 HGV and bus driver entitlements, which many taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities also base their assessments on.

   

  The Government has temporarily relaxed the requirement for bus and lorry drivers to provide a doctor’s medical report in order to renew their licence.  As the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s medical requirements mirror the DVLA Group 2 requirements, this relaxation will also apply to taxi and private hire vehicle drivers who require a medical to renew their licence in the period leading up to 30 June 2020.

   

  The driver will be required to complete a self declaration form which will initially be recorded on the database as expiring three months from the date approved.  This process will be reviewed in line with Government guidance on the lockdown and self-isolating and the date extended if necessary.

   

  In order to qualify for the relaxation, the driver MUST not have any existing notifiable health conditions.

   

  Those drivers who require a medical should complete the self declaration form and return it with their application. 

   

  This will only apply to one year licences to be in line with the DVLA process.

   

• Dealing with bereavement and grief during the Covid-19 pandemic

  The AtaLoss.org website has information to help support those affected by the loss of a loved one at this current time:

  • What to do if you are Bereaved during the Coronavirus pandemic, including useful helplines and links

  • UK Funerals - about planning them and what you can do if you can't attend

  • How to support someone who is bereaved during the Coronavirus pandemic

  • How to hold your own memorial

  • Useful helplines to contact

   

  www.ataloss.org/covid-19

   

• Recycling and Waste
  There are a number of changes to recycling and waste services:

  • Garden Waste Collections - As normal. 

  • Black Bags - We’re asking residents to try and stick to the two black bag limit where possible by continuing to recycle. If you are struggling with the two black bag limit, we are temporarily increasing the limit to four. Unsure if something can be recycled, use our handy A to Z recycling search.

  • Wood Chippings - We are suspending our free wood chippings service until further notice. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.   

  • Recycling Centres - By appointment only

  • Recycling Bags and Containers - Please only order if absolutely essential.  As council offices are currently closed due to Covid-19, residents can order replacement reusable recycling bags or containers for delivery. Simply complete our online order form to request. We will aim to deliver within 14 days. 

   

  Order recycling containers

• Free School Meals

  As a result of national measures around the repurposing of schools to support key workers and social distancing, the Vale of Glamorgan Council is changing the way it provides meals for those children eligible for free school meals.

   

  From Wednesday 01 April 2020, families with children who are eligible for free school meals will be receiving a voucher from the Local Authority, which can be redeemed at local supermarkets for the provision of food for children. Unfortunately, schools will no longer be able to accommodate deliveries or onsite meals to those eligible, unless they meet Welsh Government’s criteria for childcare in a school setting.

   

  Families will shortly start to receive vouchers via email or post (if email is not available) on a fortnightly basis worth £39. This equates to a value of £3.90 a day, 5 days a week, for 2 weeks.

   

  These vouchers will be redeemable at Asda or Tesco depending on availability and your location. The vouchers are non-transferrable and must be used to purchase food items for your children’s meals. Specific details on redeeming vouchers will be included when they are dispatched.

   

  Should you have any urgent issues, please contact:

  • EFSM@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

   

• Childcare for keyworkers

  Childcare provision for the Vale of Glamorgan's key workers doing essential work through the COVID-19 outbreak has changed to a hub-based system.

   

  14 hubs will be available across the Vale of Glamorgan. Whilst the number of sites offering the provision has reduced, the hub model is based on local school clusters working together to deliver the childcare provision for their area.

   

  Childcare Hubs

   

  Childcare for preschool children 

   

   

  • 01446 704704

  • fis@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

• Free Telecare Installation

  Telecare offers a range of services and devices which use technology to enable vulnerable people to live with greater independence and safety in their own home. 

   

  TeleV devices are linked to a 24hr monitoring Centre in Barry. Whatever the reason, if you hear a sound in the middle of the night, if you have an accident or incident in the home or suffer from a medical emergency, the operator will arrange help as quickly as possible.

   

  How TeleV Works

• Exercise - Please follow the Countryside Code

  In line with Government guidance you can leave the house for one form of exercise a day, when exercising outdoors you should:

  • Stay local

  • Follow social distancing measures

  • Minimise time spent outside of the home 

  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home

   

  We would like to remind users of public footpaths to follow the countryside code, please remember to:

  • Always keep dogs on the lead when walking them in rural areas where livestock are kept and don’t let dogs loose in gardens adjoining livestock fields.

  • Do not approach or touch farm animals.

  • Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths

  • Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home

  • Respect the needs of local people and visitors alike – for example, don’t block gateways, driveways or other paths with your vehicle.

  • When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down or stop for horses, walkers and farm animals and give them plenty of room.

   

  Natural Resources Wales - The Countryside Code

• Parking Permits

  We are unable issue any new permits until further notice.

   

  Expired parking permits (after 01 January 2020) which have not yet been renewed are now valid until 01 September 2020. 

• Registrars Service 

  The Vale of Glamorgan Registration Service aims to treat the bereaved with care and compassion, ensuring dignity and respect for the deceased.

   

  To assist with the continuation of the Death Registration process and in line with Emergency legislation the Death and Still Birth Registration process will take priority over all other registration services.

   

  Bereaved families are being advised that the Emergency legislation will enable Death notifications to be sent directly from the certifying General Practitioner, Hospital Medical Practitioner and / or Coroner to the Registration Service who will contact the next of kin or appointed informant to carry out the registration by telephone.  As there will be no face to face registrations, the Burial/ Cremation form will be sent direct from the Registrars Service to the Funeral Director appointed to carry out the funeral.

   

  Customers are therefore being requested to only contact the Registration Service if it relates to a Death Registration, Still Birth Registration or a Registrar General Licence until further notice. 

   

  All other Registration Services have been suspended until further notice.  There will be no Birth / Birth Re-registration, Notice of Marriage/Civil Partnership, Civil Marriage Ceremonies, Civil Partnership Registrations, Citizenship Ceremonies, EU Settlement verification appointments available.

   

  Please note that where an appointment has been postponed during this emergency period by the Registration Service customers are advised that they will still be required to make a further appointment e.g. to register a birth. Customers are therefore asked to monitor the Registrars webpage which will inform you when you will be able to re- book an appointment. This is because we are unable to re-schedule appointments until we know when the Civic Offices re-opens.

   

  We would also ask you to be aware that it is likely that there may be a backlog of registrations that may cause small delays during the emergency period.

   

  Customers are also advised that they can now make a claim for Child Benefit or Universal Credit prior to the birth being registered, where customers have not been able to do so because of the emergency measures put in place by the UK Government.

   

  No applications for copy certificates will be accepted during this period of emergency unless related to court proceedings/ orders and Social Services matters.

• Planning 

   Due to the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Planning department has adapted the way they work.

   

  Most staff are working from home and contactable by their normal contact details.

   

  For general enquiries please email:

  • planning@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

  or phone the duty planning officer:

   

  • 01446 704681

   

  Please note that it may take longer than normal to respond to enquiries during this time and we thank you for your patience.

   

  We will continue to accept new planning applications and requests for pre-application advice, and determine these applications where possible. However, we will not offer face-to-face meetings at this time.

   

  We would also urge our customers to use email or submit information via our planning portal at this time to manage workload efficiently.

   

  We will continue to undertake enforcement work, monitoring compliance with planning conditions and taking action against breaches of planning control.

   

  Like many others, the Council’s Planning Committee will not meet for the foreseeable future. However, most applications can be determined with officer’s delegated powers.

   

  If you have a specific enquiry about a case, please contact the case officer.

   

  Planning Portal

• Council Tax

  Our Council Tax telephone line is currently unable to take calls.

   

  If you have any queries, please contact: counciltax@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk and the team will phone back as soon as possible.

   

  Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

   

  Council Tax

• Beach Huts

  All beach huts are closed.

   

  If you have an annual permit, you will only be charged the pro rata amount.

• Car Parks

  To support social distancing the following car parks/parking are closed:

  • Barry Island car parks

  • Cosmeston Lakes Country Park car park

  • Porthkerry Country Park car park

  • All Council-owned beach car parks

  • Paget Road and Friars Road to be closed for parking - Access only.

   

• Schools

  The Central South Consortium has written a letter, dated 4 May 2020, to all parents and carers with an update on the support available for distance learning.

   

  We have provided guidance to all schools in the Vale of Glamorgan on how to operate from Monday 23 March.

   

  Arrangements have already been put in place to make sure those children entitled to a free school meal receive one. Please contact EFSM@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk for more information.

   

  Our schools will provide a safe place for the children of key workers so that their parents can work to keep us all safe.

   

  All hubs provide childcare for households where both parents/carers are key workers or for single family households where the parent/carer is a keyworker. Evidence of this will be required. 

   

  Children should stay at home wherever possible and if it is safe to do so. In exceptional circumstances, consideration will be given to applications from families in which there is only one key worker.

   

  Updated 03/06/2020: The Minister for Education has today announced that pupils will be returning to school on 29th June. It is intended that all pupils will attend school for a period of time between the 29th of June and the end of term which has been extended by one week to July 27th. Guidelines will be issued by Welsh Government next week.

   

  In the meantime the Council will be working with its schools to develop a consistent approach to reintroducing pupils to schools across the Vale of Glamorgan. Reference has been made to up to a third of pupils attending at any one time however, the Council wants to be clear that the number of pupils attending individual schools will be limited to what we consider to be safe. 

   

  Once guidelines are clear, schools will be in touch with parents to share plans and to gauge whether parents intend sending their children back to school.   

   

• Sport and Leisure Facilities

  All Sports Pavilions, Social Clubs and Bowls Clubs that are operated directly by the Council or operate from Council premises are closed.

   

  For updates on leisure centres please visit the Leisure Centre website.

   

  leisurecentre.com/coronavirus 

• Care Homes

  Closed.

   

• Vale Homes

  We know that this will be a stressful time for our tenants as the situation with the Coronavirus Covid-19 continues to develop. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to supporting it tenants during this difficult time. We are working very hard to ensure we will still be able to deliver our most important services.  

   

  Rent is still due to the Council if you have a council tenancy. However, if your income has stopped please get in touch with our Money Advice Team who can talk you through the support available.

   

  Our Money Advisors can be contacted during office hours on the following numbers:

  • Mark: 07739194963

  • Lisa: 07739194956

  • Charlotte: 07739194962

   

  Vale Homes

   

  Housing and Housing Support

   

• Coronavirus Scams

  The Vale of Glamorgan Council has been made aware of a number of scams relating to the Coronavirus. There have been reports of testing kits for the virus being offered by door-to-door salesman.

   

  Residents should be aware that that there are no commercially available tests for Coronavirus and all testing is being carried out by Healthcare professionals.

   

  Advice on Coronavirus scams

• Greenlinks Community Transport

  All Greenlinks Community Transport Services have been temporarily suspended from Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice.

• Youth Service

  All Youth Service provisions are cancelled until further notice. These include:

  • Youth Clubs

  • Youth Participation Groups

  • After School Clubs

  • Duke of Edinburgh

  • V-Pod

  • Vale Rights Ambassadors 

• Libraries

  All Vale of Glamorgan Libraries are now closed. If you are a library member you will still be able to access a number of online services. 

   

   

  Libraries

 

 

 

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