If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness during the period of disruption you should still contact us as soon as possible. In response to updated government advice regarding the coronavirus outbreak and the need to stop non-essential contact with others, we will continue to provide services but have changed the way we will do this.
If we are already working with you, please ensure that we have your contact details so that during the disruption we can continue to provide services and support to you.
If you need to contact us out of hours please still use our emergency out of hours number Freephone 0800 197 1004.
In response to Government advice regarding the coronavirus outbreak and the need to stop all non-essential contact, we have reduced our mainstream allocations’ service whilst these temporary restrictions are in place.
Please be assured that we will continue to provide you with the appropriate advice and support with regards to your housing application as we understand that this is an extremely anxious and uncertain time for everyone.
If you are currently on offer to a WDC property the Housing Officer will contact you to arrange an accompanied viewing as soon as we resume normal operations and the property is deemed ready for let.
In the meantime please contact your Housing Officer should you wish to discuss this or any other tenancy related matters. Their details can be found on the contact your housing officer page.
This is an anxious and uncertain time for everyone. In response to government advice regarding the coronavirus outbreak, the need to stop non-essential contact with others and also the fact that we have been affected by staff not able to work, we have made some temporary changes to the way our service is provided.
The Scottish Government have started to lift some lockdown restrictions under its 4 stage route map and Construction Scotland Re-start Model 6 stage plan.
We are currently in phase 3 of the Scottish Government route map and as we continue to progress through the phases beyond lockdown we are re-starting and delivering more services for tenants where physical distancing can be maintained.
During lockdown the emergency service and void house repairs continued with team members that could work from home working from home. Whilst working from home remains the default position where possible we are phasing the level of activity in-line with guidance. By 10 July 2020 we had around 50% of team members at work delivery services; we plan to have reached full capacity by 28 August 2020. Activity / productivity to pre-COVID-19 levels are likely to take considerably longer than the dates noted due to restrictions, social distancing etc.
With Resource levels limited by social distancing criteria we will be focusing on the following:
As above, all new non urgent routine repairs which generally result from wear and tear which do no pose a risk will be recorded and carried out at a future date. We will, however, keep you informed when your non urgent repair will be included within a programme of work; provide a timeframe when this will be carried out and arrange a suitable appointment with you to complete your internal non urgent repair.
We can also confirm if you reported repairs prior to lockdown you do not need to re-contact us, all repairs active prior to lock down will be progressed as above and we would ask for your patience during these unprecedented times. Building Services Planners will make contact with you to organise outstanding repairs by telephone/ text / or email to confirm attendance when the work has been planned.
We thank you for your patience at this time.
We recognise that some tenants may face uncertainty about their income as a consequence of illness, self-isolation or other measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus. West Dunbartonshire Council will always consider the financial circumstances of a tenant facing difficulty in paying rent and offer support to alleviate and manage the situation.
If you are concerned about being able to pay your rent during the current emergency please contact us. We can help you to manage rent payments and provide advice on benefits that you may be entitled to. Please be reassured that no Council tenant is at risk of losing their home during the current emergency. Contact details for your Housing Officer.
Given the unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus, we are putting a number of measures in place until further notice.
Absolute priority will be given to services within high rise flats. Significant signage will be erected in high rise blocks to urge social distancing, for residents not to share lifts and additional focus will be given to cleaning ‘common contact points’ – lift buttons, door handles etc. This will impact on other aspects of our work.
Communal access safety precautions for tenants and residents:
Ofgem have issued the following advice for all customers of gas and electric suppliers: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-energy-supply
You should tell your supplier straightaway if you can’t top up your meter. This includes if you are ill with coronavirus or following guidance to stay at home and self-isolate, and if you don’t have anyone to help you.
Help may include:
Suppliers must tell you what customer service support is available, particularly if you are vulnerable. If you are a smart meter customer, you should be able to top-up remotely, such as by phone, mobile application or online.