Contents:
- Coronavirus
- Community testing
- Community support
- Test and trace self isolation payment
- Businesses
- Food business advice
- Food collection, delivery and growing
- Self employed
- Council Tax Support
- Housing and rent
- Bin collections
Coronavirus
We are working with the government, NHS and other partners to keep people safe. Protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents will always be the council’s priority
You can:
- visit the NHS website for information on symptoms and how to avoid catching the virus
- keep up to date with government advice on GOV.UK
Current restrictions
From Monday 29 March coronavirus restrictions are easing as part of Step 1 of the government's roadmap out of lockdown. You can find information about what you can and cannot do on GOV.UK
Report a coronavirus concern
If you are concerned that a business in Harlow is not following government guidelines, you can report this to us by email env.health@harlow.gov.uk
Changes to services
We are continuing to provide services during the coronavirus pandemic that our residents and businesses need. Below is a list of services and how they are being affected. Most services are running as normal, but with the majority of staff working from home, there might be a longer delay than usual when contacting our teams.
You can see how Essex County Council services in Harlow are affected (like schools, libraries and adult social care) on the Essex County Council website
Staff continue to process benefit claims. See our page on getting help with housing and rent
Civic Centre
The Civic Centre remains closed. You are still able to contact us by phone on 01279 446655 and access many services online, like ordering a new bin or reporting litter.
The Civic Centre reception is due to reopen from 17 May 2021.
We have complied with the government's guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19 and have published our COVID-19 Secure poster (pdf) and our COVID-19 risk assessment (pdf)
If you need help with something that is not available online, you can also contact us
All council meetings will be held virtually and streamed live on the council’s YouTube channel until further notice. Residents can still participate in meetings and ask questions. You can read the procedures for these meetings
You need to continue to pay your Council Tax as normal, but if you’re having difficulties, see our page on Council Tax Support
Local councillors continue to support residents with enquiries and carry out casework. Councillors can be contacted by phone or email. You can view full contact information for councillors
The main reception remains closed to the public, but access for businesses based in the centre will remain. Reception services are due to reopen from 17 May 2021.
Leah Manning is due to reopen on 12 April 2021.
Our priority will be to ensure that existing licence holders can continue to operate, where possible. For all enquiries email the licensing team licensing@harlow.gov.uk and we will aim to respond to you within 5 working days.
The issuing of taxi licences is continuing through the introduction of a new remote working system.
The Walled Gardens of Harlow Museum have reopened. They are open Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. The inside of Harlow Museum remains closed, but is due to reopen on 17 May 2021.
All council car parks are open (the Town Park car parks reopened on 17 February 2021) and charges still apply.
Parking patrols are still being carried out by the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP). Updates from the partnership can be found on the NEPP website.
It will still be free to park for up to 1 hour in the neighbourhood shopping car parks at Bush Fair, The Stow and Old Harlow and free all day at the weekends and after 5pm.
It will also still be free parking for up to 1 hour in the car parks in the Town Park, River Way and Burnt Mill Lock and free parking in these car parks for up to 2 hours at the weekends.
Parndon Wood reopened on Wednesday 31 March 2021.
For the latest information see the ECCO Parndon Wood website
Payments
You need to continue to pay your council bills. Whilst we are closed, you can make payments online.
This includes:
- Council Tax
- housing and garage rents
- business rates
- service charges
- contents insurance
- benefit overpayments
You can also pay using the 24 hour, automated telephone payments line 01279 446600
Direct debits or standing orders can be set up. Rent can also be paid by a payment or post office card at a local payment point or post office. There is help and support available to residents who genuinely cannot pay bills at this time.
Pets' Corner reopens on 12 April 2021. For more information and to book your entry see the Pets' Corner page
Planning officers continue to determine planning applications as normal and the council’s planning committee is taking place virtually.
Playgrounds reopened on 17 February 2021.
Tennis courts, multi use games areas, basketball courts, outdoor gym and Harlow skate park reopened on 29 March 2021.
The Playhouse remains closed until further notice. The Playhouse is due to reopen to private group activities on 12 April 2021. Shows are due to restart on 17 May 2021. For the latest information check the Playhouse website
Sam's Place reopened on 29 March 2021 for the Easter holidays.
The Town Park remains open for all to enjoy and has been open during the outbreak.
The car parks reopened on 17 February 2021, and the public toilets by Pets' Corner are also open.
Spurriers Café is open for takeaway, 7 days a week.
We ask all visitors to respect the current government guidelines for open spaces.
You can read our coronavirus privacy notice for information on how we will use your data during this pandemic.