News

We appreciate your co-operation and patience as we make changes to our waste collection services during the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic. This is to make sure that we have enough resources to deliver critical services in a way that meets government guidelines and keeps the public and our staff safe. We are continually monitoring the resources available and will let you know if more become available.

Argyll and Bute Council has agreed major changes to its decision-making processes as part of its response to COVID-19. Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Aileen Morton explained: “Our committee system works well when we can plan ahead and deliver a range of meetings focusing on different areas of the council’s work. The COVID-19 pandemic however changes quickly. Our decision-making process has to be flexible enough to deliver decisions rapidly so that we are doing all we can to protect our employees and communities.

Caring for People The Caring for People Helpline is available for individuals living in Argyll and Bute who are self-isolating/vulnerable and whose usual support network is no longer available. The Helpline is the Local Assistance Centre for those who have been asked to stay at home for at least 12 weeks. You can also contact the helpline for business, education and financial advice. By contacting the helpline, our Caring for People team can provide the right assistance, working with organisations and volunteers in our communities.  

For most young people, being at home is the safest place to be during this coronavirus outbreak but we know this might not be the case for everyone. If you feel worried, upset or unsafe, either for yourself or someone else during school closures, the following people and organisations can help:

Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed the announcement from Scottish Government today (26 March) of a £5M package of support for the seafood fishing industry. Funding will be offered to over 650 seafood fishing companies across Scotland to help them through the coronavirus outbreak. Councillor Aileen Morton said:

During the current coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak, circumstances change regularly. We will post updates on our coronavirus web page: /coronavirus-help-and-advice . Keeping people safe from the spread of coronavirus means making changes to how we work. We must concentrate on the services that will help to keep people safe, and that the council must deliver by law.

A number of childcare facilities will open in Argyll and Bute tomorrow (Thursday) for children of key workers in the area. Eligible parents, who indicated a need for this service, have been informed of the individual arrangements that have been out in place for their children.  Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “It is vital that we do everything we can to ensure that key workers can continue to do their job without worrying about the wellbeing of their children during this time.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus, and in line with Government advice, council offices are now closed to members of the public. Look out for updates about our services on our website - www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavirus-help-and-advice - and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). If you have any urgent enquiries, you can call 01546 605522. Please only call this line if your enquiry is urgent. Thank you.

The Scottish Government has today (24 March) announced further support for businesses affected by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the Scottish Government Coronavirus Business Support Grant is to keep companies in business, help protect jobs, prevent business closure and promote economic recovery.  The fund will be administered by local authorities. Councillor Aileen Morton:

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE ARGYLL AND BUTE CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE With the closure of schools and nurseries during the Covid-19 crisis, a national child protection group is urging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for children who may be at risk during this time.