A-Z Search

Service changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

There have been changes to some of our services due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please click on the links below for more information on how these services will run during this time:

Birth and death registration - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding birth and death registrations, and how the service is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 8 July 2020.


Births
 
At present, we are not making appointments for face-to-face birth registrations and are currently looking at ways on how we can return to this service. We will contact you in due course to make arrangements to register your baby.
 
If you live in North Tyneside and your baby was born at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, you will be able to do a birth declaration at the Riverside Children's Centre in North Shields. Please telephone 0191 643 8899 to make an appointment. 
 
It may take some time for us to catch up with birth registrations and we are grateful for your patience in this matter.
 
Deaths
 
Due to the current guidelines regarding COVID-19, we are no longer offering face to face appointments to register a death.
 
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will be scanned directly to the Registrars by the hospital or doctor. The death will then be registered via telephone. Please call 0345 600 6400 to make an appointment. 
 
A death must be registered within five days.

Play parks - Coronavirus updates

Please see below for the latest information about play parks in Northumberland:

This information was last updated on 2 July 2020.


We are working to re-open play areas as soon as we can safely do so. This is in line with new government guidelines which we are currently assessing. Safety has to be the absolute priority.

When we have more information, updates will appear here.

Business waste collections - Coronavirus updates

There have been changes to business waste collections due to the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 2 July 2020.

If you are a business who currently has a waste collection contract with Northumberland County Council, and you had to temporarily close due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), you may now need to restart your waste collection services.

 
Please let us know as soon as possible, so we can discuss different options that may be available for you.
 

 

Contact us

If you need to speak to a Waste Management Officer, please see the email addresses below for who to contact in your area:

Please note that the following email addresses are for business waste enquiries only.
 
For the Northern area, please contact Julie Case at julie.case@northumberland.gov.uk.
 
For the West and Central area, please contact Kevin Ferrol at 
 
For the South East area, please contact Matthew Swaddle at 

Housing visits and repairs - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding housing visits and repairs in Northumberland and how this service is affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 1 July 2020.


Gas servicing of council homes
As your landlord we are required by law to carry out an annual Gas Safety Inspection and the Government has confirmed that this should continue during the current crisis. Immediately after lockdown, we did take the decision to temporarily suspend the service pending a review of how this work could be done safely but we have now started again to carry out servicing visits in order to keep you and your families safe in your  homes. 

We appreciate this is a very challenging time for everyone, but would please ask that you allow access and support us to carry out this essential work.  

In order to minimise the risk of infection for both residents and our gas servicing engineers, we will be taking the following approach:
  • Engineers will be practicing good hand hygiene and wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in line with the advice from Public Health England. 
  • They will be adhering to social distancing and maintaining a minimum of 2 metre distance from residents whilst in the property. We will be seeking to carry out the inspection as quickly as possible but we would ask that you please respect this and if possible move to a different room while the inspection is taking place. 
  • Surfaces and any tools used will be wiped clean after the visit and PPE disposed of away from your home. 
  • If you or a member of your household is displaying symptoms of the Covid-19 please let us know and we will look to re-arrange the inspection after 14 days. 
  • If you or a member of your household is currently shielding or have received notification from the NHS that you are vulnerable, again please let us know and we will look to re-arrange the inspection at a later date.
We appreciate this is a very challenging time for everyone, but would please ask that you allow access and support us to carry out these essential works to maintain safety in your home.
 
Housing repairs to resume
Throughout the lockdown we have continued to carry out emergency repairs. As the Government eases those restrictions further, we are developing plans to re-introduce  non-emergency and external housing repairs while taking all the necessary precautions to keep residents and employees safe.

It will take us some time to work through the backlog of work that has unfortunately built up during the lockdown period and not all services will immediately be available, but please be patient as we are working as quickly as we can to safely resume a full repairs reporting and appointment service. 

As we commence repair work within properties, we will be reviewing the guidance from Government and from Public Health England to make sure we are keeping residents and our employees safe. 

We’ll be posting any updates on this webpage.

Allocating vacant council houses
During the crisis, it has been necessary to suspend Northumberland Homefinder and it has only been possible to allocate housing, both on a temporary and permanent basis, where it has been necessary due to specific circumstances. 

As restrictions are now being relaxed we are looking into how we can resume this service safely for both our customers and colleagues.

We know this is an important service and we hope to have the service up and running again the week commencing 20th July.

Any updates will be announced on the homefinder website www.northumberlandhomefinder.org.uk

Weddings - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding wedding Registration Services, in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

This information was last updated 30 June 2020

Couples looking to get married in Northumberland in the next few months will be contacted by the Northumberland Registration Service, following new government guidance.

As part of the easing of lockdown measures, the government announced that weddings and civil partnerships would be able to recommence from July 4.

New guidance states that gatherings of up to 30 people will be permitted but only in certain public places as set out in law.

The team in Northumberland will now be contacting couples who have a booking for July and August to discuss how the current restrictions will impact their day to help them deliver their ceremony in line with the guidance or to discuss a possible postponement to a later date.

The latest guidance for weddings and civil partnerships is as follows: 
  • From 4 July 2020, gatherings of up to 30 people will be permitted but only in certain public places as set out in law. This will include all licensed venues where marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can take place.
  • At present, weddings and civil partnerships are strongly advised to go ahead only where they can be done is a Covid-19 secure environment.  It is also advised that ceremonies are kept as short as reasonably possible and limited as far as reasonably possible to the parts of the ceremonies that are required in order for a marriage or civil partnership to be legally binding under the law of England and Wales.  No more than 30 people should be present at a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a Covid-19 secure venue.  In some instances, due to the size of the ceremony venue room, this number may be less.  
  • This maximum number includes all those at the ceremony, including the couple, witnesses, officiants and guests.  It also includes any staff who are not employed by the venue, which may include photographers, security or caterers.  
  • For the purpose of a ceremony, the number of attendees should ideally be kept to a minimum as far as possible.  The lower the number of attendees, the lower the risk of spreading the virus. 
  • Any individuals involved in the ceremony should not attend if they are unwell with symptoms of Covid-19.  If either member of the couple have symptoms of Covid-19 the ceremony should not go ahead.
  • During any part of the marriage or civil partnership ceremony, all parties should adhere to social distancing guidelines and apply a two metre distance where viable.
  • Any receptions that typically follow or accompany marriages or civil partnerships are strongly advised not to take place at this time.  Small celebrations should only take place if following social distancing guidelines - i.e. in groups of up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors.  Should you have any further questions regarding receptions, please contact your chosen venue directly.
If you have any queries please contact the team at alnwickreg@northumberland.gov.uk. Regular updates are also available at mynorthumberlandwedding.co.uk and on Facebook and Twitter

Music Partnership North - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about Music Partnership North and how our service is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 13 July

Coronavirus Information for Parents

If you are interested in your child having instrumental/vocal lessons with us: click here to register interest for lessons in September 2020. See the documents below for more information:
 

Coronavirus Information for Schools 

Please share this letter with your parents/contacts to encourage sign up for tuition in September 2020.
 
We have created some resources to help music in schools:
 

Maintenance of Instruments during school closures

We are unfortunately unable to offer our normal repair/replacement service for faulty instruments hired from us. In the event of students experiencing any issues with their instrument or needing advice on tuning string instruments, we ask that you take a look at the leaflets below (for string and brass instruments)
 

MPN Office Team

Our admin and management team are currently working remotely: contact details can be found here.

Libraries update - Coronavirus updates

Keep up to date with the latest library news here.

This information was last updated 29 June 2020.

Following the government’s recent announcement, Northumberland County Council are now planning for a phased reopening of its library services from Monday 6 July 2020.

It is expected that a number of libraries across the county will be able to offer an order and collect service in the first few weeks of opening.  Collections will only be available by appointment and it is expected that there will only be limited numbers of visitors who may access library buildings at any one time,

Unfortunately, there will be no browsing, no access to computers, printers, photocopiers or public service in person at libraries across Northumberland at this time.

Community Managed Libraries will be fully supported by the County Council and these will be encouraged to reopen at their own pace.

All loans will be automatically updated until libraries reopen and fines will not be charged for late returns to residents after 23 March 2020 and therefore customers should not worry if they have books at home.

Our enhanced digital online offer with hundreds of free eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines newspapers is available for residents to use at mylibrary.co.uk 

If you’re not already a member, or know somebody who could benefit from these services, follow this link to mylibrary.co.uk It's easy and it's free.

We look forward to welcoming you all back to our libraries in the future.

In the meantime, do keep in touch by following us on facebook and/or Twitter @NlandLibraries where we are posting information, advice and sharing what we are doing including reopening information  If you, or anyone you know, needs support to access our digital library, please contact our Northumberland Communities Together Hub on 01670 620 015 and we will be happy to help.

Museums - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about Museums Northumberland and how they are affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 26 June 2020

Following the recent guidance Museums Northumberland are working with partners on plans for safe reopening. They are awaiting the outcome of a number of funding applications which will allow a number of necessary changes to be made to allow them to open safely. 

Please keep checking their website for further updates - www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk 

In the meantime, there is lots for you to explore, share and try on their website. Relive Miners’ Picnics Past, share your Lockdown diaries or recreate the Pitmen Painters. 

Schools - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest information about schools in Northumberland affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 25 June 2020.

  • Schools were closed on Friday 20 March to all children except those with key worker parents or carers, and the most vulnerable children.
  • Key workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work. Please click here for a detailed list of key workers.
  • Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with educational health and care plans.
  • From Monday 1 June Northumberland primary schools welcomed back Year 6, Year 1 and Reception pupils in line with the Government’s guidance, as long as the school was not at capacity with key workers and/or vulnerable children.
  • From Monday 15 June Northumberland secondary and high schools welcomed back up to 25% of year 10 and year 12 pupils in line with Governement's guidence.
Reopening of schools

The Department for Education has prioritised the return of Year 6, Year 1 and Reception pupils, in order to minimise the number of children in schools.

Northumberland County Council is working with head teachers in schools across the county to support them in the implementation of safety measures based on their risk assessments and  in line with Government guidance.

Parents should stay in touch with their child’s school for the latest information on opening arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE: Each school may handle this situation differently based on demand, in order to ensure the welfare of all staff, support workers, and children.

 

Click on the drop down boxes below to find the answers to some of your school related COVID-19 questions:

Following guidance from the Government the vast majority of schools are now open to identified year groups.

We are working with head teachers in schools across the county to support them in the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures based on their risk assessments, and in line with Government guidance. Once those safety measures are in place, schools will welcome back pupils in Year 6, Year 1 and Reception. Parents should stay in touch with their child’s school for the latest information.

You can find the full questions and answers document here
The re-opening of Primary schools has begun with children in the Reception classes, Year 1 and Year 6. The three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised by Government because they are key transition years – children in Reception and Year 1 are at the very beginning of their school career and are mastering the essential basics, including counting and the fundamentals of reading and writing, and learning to socialise with their peers.

Pupils are asked to return to school on a part-time basis and continue with home learning activities.
You can find the full questions and answers document here
Transition activities will be provided by schools but this may be through virtual tours or online meetings. Each school will approach transition differently. 

You can find the full questions and answers document here
Secondary/high schools welcomed back Year 10 and Year 12 pupils from 15th June onwards for face-to face sessions. This will not be full time and each school will decide what is appropriate for their circumstances. Online learning will continue.

You can find the full questions and answers document here
School transport will be provided, but this is dependent on the number of pupils who wish to travel, the availability of drivers, and the start times schools may operate.

Parents should contact their child’s school to discuss arrangements.

You can find the full questions and answers document here

This information was last updated 25 June 2020.

Provision is being put in place to ensure that children receiving free school meals do not suffer unnecessarily, now that the government has closed schools. 
 
The vast majority of schools in Northumberland are open to children of key workers, most vulnerable children, Reception, Year 1, Year 6, Year 10 and Year 12. 
 
All schools are making their own arrangements with the support of the Northumberland County Council school meals service. 
 
The scheme outlines that if a school catering service cannot provide meals or food parcels, they should offer pupils from families that are eligible for benefits-related free school meals an alternative.
 
We are continuing to accept free school meal applications at this time. If you think your child is eligible but you are not currently claiming, you can contact us on 0345 600 6400 (Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm), or apply by submitting this application form:

Please click here to view the free school meals application form.

You can find the full questions and answers document here

Street care & cleaning - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about maintenance work carried out by the council and how this is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 25 June 2020.

As we enter the warmer months we'll be continuing with our grass cutting to keep our county clean, green and safe. 
 
Remember - it's really important everyone sticks to the social distancing rules - so please keep away from our teams if you see them working - and we'll do likewise.

Contacting Customer Service, Information Centres & Registrars

The latest information about public access to Customer Service, Information Centres, and Registrars, in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 25 June 2020.

Following the Government’s advice in relation to further measures regarding social distancing, it’s important we protect both our residents and our staff. The council has restricted public access to our buildings from Monday 23 March 2020.

Customer Service Information Centres and Registrars will move to a first point of contact being a digital recommendation. We will not have any front of house staffing and facilities, and will only offer a limited face to face service available at our sites if it is safely managed, by appointment only, and after a risk assessment deems it necessary to do so.  
 
The safest way for you to contact the council is via our website at www.northumberland.gov.uk/contact - You can also call us on 0345 600 6400 during office hours.
  • Monday to Thursday 08:30 - 17:00 
  • Friday 08:30 - 16:30 

We now have dedicated #Coronavirus section on our website dedicated to provide you with the information and updates on our services. Click here to view our coronavirus infromation and updates.

Public toilets

Here is a list of all Northumberland County Council maintained public conveniences, including disabled access and baby changing facilities.

This information was last updated 24 June 2020.


Toilets not detailed in the list below are currently closed due to Covid-19 health and safety concerns. Please follow appropriate social distancing guidance and directions on safety signs at the facilities.

This list will be updated as health and safety issues are reviewed.
If you have any issues and wish to report a problem, please use the link below: Alternatively, if you wish to make any comments or suggestions about any toilet units, please contact 0345 600 6400.
The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (R.A.D.A.R), alongside disability organisations, local authorities and others, established a national key scheme (NKS) for toilets for disabled people in 1981.

The principle is if a local authority locks public toilets for disabled people, it can use a standard lock and make arrangements for disabled people to obtain a key.

Can I purchase a R.A.D.A.R key from Northumberland County Council?
You can obtain a key from tourist information centres or from customer services information centres throughout Northumberland at a cost of £3.60 including VAT.

R.A.D.A.R keys must have VAT charged at 20% unless a 0% VAT for individuals form is signed by each disabled person. This form is available to download here and from tourist information and customer service information centres. The key will fit all national toilets participating in the scheme.

Parking - Coronavirus update

The latest information about parking in Northumberland and how it is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 24 June 2020.

The council has taken a phased approach to re-opening its coastal and visitor car parks as public safety remains a top priority.
 
We have had to take into account:
  • the ability to socially distance both within the carpark and the surrounding area
  • the impact on and the views of the local community
  • where vehicles might otherwise park and cause problems if the car park remained shut
Car parks that charge to park will continue to do so. The council will keep the car park openings under review and the situation may change depending on local or national developments. 

PLEASE NOTE: The only car park that remains closed at the moment is the one located at Paddlers Park in Amble. This car park will reopen when Paddlers Park does.

Household Waste Recovery Centres - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding Household Waste Recovery Centres (HWRCs), also known as 'tips', during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 6 July 2020. 

Household Waste Recovery Centres (tips) reopened on Monday 4 May 2020.

Please click here for more details regarding the tips reopening, including opening times and site rules.

Please note that the Household Waste Permit Scheme has been suspended.

Pest control - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding pest control in Northumberland, and how this service is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 24 June 2020.

Due to the recent pandemic, we are only able to make bookings for pests which pose a threat to public health. 
These pests include:
  • Rats and mice
  • Fleas and bedbugs
  • Wasps
In the best interests of our customers and staff, we must close all other bookings. 

Bin collection - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding bin collections and how the service is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 24 June 2020

 

Check your bin collection date here


Our bin collection teams are still out and about, working to collect your normal household rubbish and recycling bins. We're also running our commercial waste service to businesses.

Please click here to see our alerts page, where we will update you on any issues we have with collecting your bins.

You can help by thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your bins. 

If someone in your household had symptoms for COVID-19, please make sure their waste is also double-bagged, the handles of each bag are tied, and is stored for 72 hours in a place not accessed by people/pets before putting in it your bin.

We will respond to advice from the government and Public Health England, and will keep residents informed of changes to our waste services. 

If you suspect that someone has the Coronavirus, here is the government advice on what to do with their waste, and how to clean any areas where they have been:

Bulky Waste - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding bulky waste collections and how this service is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 24 June 2020.

 
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current COVID-19 situation, a modified bulky waste collection service was re-introduced on Monday 4 May 2020 to help residents dispose of waste materials that cannot be stored at home without causing risk of injury or harm to health.
 
Unfortunately larger items can not currently be collected. 
 

Garden waste collection - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding garden waste collection in Northumberland during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 24 June 2020

From 14 May 2020 we are able to accept new customer applications for the garden waste collection service in certain parts of Northumberland - click here to check if the service is available in your area.

Please put your bins out before 7am on your normal bin collection day. You can help us by thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your bins - as well as applying social distancing rules - this is really important.

Parks - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about our Northumberland Parks and how they are affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated 24 June 2020

Public safety paramount as country parks re-open

Northumberland County Council has confirmed that its four country parks will open from Wednesday, May 13 - but the safety of the public remains its absolute priority.
 
Council Leader Cllr Peter Jackson, said: "Following revised guidance issued by the Government, the council needs to take time to fully understand what the Government’s plan means for Northumberland, and its impact on our residents.

"After careful consideration, the county's four country parks will reopen on the morning of Wednesday 13 May at:
  1. Druridge Bay country park
  2. Bolam Lake country park
  3. Plessey Woods country park
  4. Tyne Riverside country park.

Cemeteries and crematorium - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding burials and cremations and how these are operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 24 June 2020.

 

Cremations

Due to the government guidelines, we have introduced some temporary measures to ensure that mourners are able to follow Government guidelines on social distancing.

A maximum of up to 10 people should attend a cremation service in person and they should be;
  • members of the person’s household,
  • close family members,
  • if the above are unable to attend, close friends,
  • attendance of a celebrant of choice, should the bereaved request this.
Webcasting:
To support loved ones who can not attend in person, we have made webcasting of the service available free of charge. Details of how families can access each service remotely via the internet has been sent to Funeral Directors who will be able to advise the family.
 

 

Burials

A maximum of up to 10 people should be present at the graveside and they should be;

  • members of the person’s household,
  • close family members,
  • if the above are unable to attend, close friends,
  • attendance of a celebrant of choice, should the bereaved request this.
 
Remember - it's really important everyone adheres to the social distancing guidance for the safety of themselves, families and our staff.
 
We understand that these restrictions may be difficult for families that are already going through a difficult time but urge people to follow the guidance to protect themselves and their loved ones. 
 
The link below details current government guidance regarding funerals:

Animal welfare - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding animal welfare issues during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 24 June 2020.

Please keep your dogs safe and secure during this national crisis. If your dog strays or runs away, there will not be as many members of the public out and about to help locate your dog as normal.
 
Help your local animal welfare team out by:
  • Making sure your dog is always wearing a collar and tag with current contact details (and check microchip details are up to date)
  • Not leaving your dog unattended in the garden or while on walks
  • Checking garden fencing and gates are secure
  • Keeping your dog on a lead while exercising, in case they get spooked or run off
If you are concerned about the welfare of a pet – report an animal welfare issue.
 
This is not to be used for reporting problems with wild animals such as birds, rodents, foxes, etc. There are various organisations, such as the RSPB and the RSPCA, which can help in these cases.

If you have lost your dog, or have found a stray dog, please click here to report lost/stray dog.

Coroner's service - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding the coroner's service in Northumberland, and how this service is operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

This information was last updated on 24 June 2020.

The Northumberland Coroner's Office remains open, however we are working remotely in response to the COVID-19 virus. 

All information concerning case referals, queries, and any other business should now be sent to our email address: This email address is monitored between 8am and 4pm (Monday to Friday) and we will respond as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the circumstances, all hearings have been adjourned (postponed) until 28 August 2020, as the courts in Northumberland will be closed until then. The Coroner's Officers will be writing out to families on specific matters.

 

The National Bereavement Partnership - COVID-19 Hub

This hub was created to provide support to all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by working closely with the NHS Trusts and other relevant organisations.

Please click here for more information about The National Bereavement Partnership.

You can call their free helpline on 0800 448 0800, open every day from 7am - 10pm.

Northumberland archives service - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about Northumberland Archives and how this service is affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Archives - Service Updates

This information was last updated 23 April 2020.

To help protect public and staff the Northumberland Archives, study centres at both Woodhorn and Berwick will closed on 20 March 2020 until further notice.

In line with government advice and the recommendations of our professional body regarding COVID-19, the public areas of the archive are not open.

We will continue to answer emails and post on social media. Please check our twitter and FaceBook pages for updates.

As many staff will be working from home, we hope that researchers will understand that we can't offer our normal range of services. Response times might be a little longer than usual and we will be unable to provide copies of documents. We are very sorry for any disruption that this may cause. Thank you for your patience.

Although original documents aren't available at the moment, please do have a look at some our online resources:

Disabled parking - Coronavirus updates

The latest information about blue badge renewal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic:

This information was last updated on 9 April 2020.

 

The Government has relaxed the enforcement against expired blue badges where a blue badge has an expiry date of 1 January 2020 onwards. This relaxation of enforcement against expired blue badges will continue initially until 30 September 2020.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS APPLIES TO LOCAL AUTHORITY PARKING ONLY AND NOT PRIVATE CAR PARKS. For parking at hospitals you will need to check with the individual hospital whether or not you can use an expired badge at the present time.  
 
If your blue badge is due for renewal, and you are unable to renew online or provide your supporting information/photograph to us, you can continue to use your existing blue badge until 30 September 2020, but only if your blue badge has an expiry date of 1 January 2020 onwards.

You can continue to renew your blue badge online at www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge, and upload supporting information and your photograph at the same time. Or you can download an application from our website under “renewing your blue badge”.
 
If we can’t renew your blue badge, as you are unable to supply the supporting information at the moment, you can still renew your badge and send any supporting information to us later.

Planning Services - Coronavirus updates

Guidance for our customers on the Planning Service during Coronavirus (COVID-19).

There have been changes to how some of our services operate due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). For the latest up-to-date information please read our Planning Services Frequently Asked Questions - Covid-19 Guidance Document.

Questions and advice

Before contacting us please read the information on our planning webpages as these may answer your query. We cannot give you advice on whether or not permission is required over the phone or by email because it takes time and further detail to assess this properly, for step by step advice read our Do I need planning permission guidance.

For the protection of residents and staff the duty planner 'drop in' service is suspended. However the duty planner telephone service will be available from 9:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday via the Customer Services number 0345 600 6400. You may be asked to leave a message if the duty planner is on another call so please include any application reference and your email address with your message so we can provide an informed response. 

To submit an application please see our Apply for Planning Permission page.

Questions about specific applications should be directed to the Case Officer for that application. Their name can be found using the reference number on our Public Access system where you can also submit comments online. For anything else if you know the name of the person/team within Planning Services you need to contact please send your correspondence directly to them or view the email addresses for specific planning teams. If you are emailing us about a specific site or application please include the address/reference number so we can find it.

Taxi licensing - Coronavirus updates

The latest information regarding taxi licensing in Northumberland, and how this is impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Important coronavirus update - Hackney carriage/Private hire licensing

Due to emergency steps being taken in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Northumberland County Council has introduced a simplified process for the renewal of driver and vehicle licences. This simplified process will remain in place until it is considered reasonable to return to standard operating procedures.

As a temporary measure, driver badges and vehicle plates will not be issued. Instead, an acknowledgement will be e-mailed to you. You must carry this with you whenever you are working in order to prove that you, or your vehicle, are still licensed.

Drivers
Currently drivers can only apply for a one-year licence. 
 
Under this process there is currently no requirement to produce a DBS check or medical certificate at this time. You will be required to submit further information once we are in a position to produce the licence. 

Vehicles
Under this process there is currently no requirement to produce a certificate of compliance at this time. You will be required to submit further information once we are in a position to produce the licence. 
 
At this current time Northumberland County Council cannot carry out any MOTs or compliance tests as all garages are closed. There is no requirement to submit the MOT due to the extension for MOTs that the Government has put in place as of 25 March 2020, however all vehicles must continue to have the appropriate insurance.
 
Unfortunately at the current time, no new applications will be accepted.

All contact with the licensing department must be made by e-mail:

Our partners

Menu

Contact Us Privacy Policy Translate Page Accessibility Staff Resources Councillor Resources North of Tyne Combined Authority Discover our Land

Our local area councils

Ashington and Blyth Castle Morpeth Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley North Northumberland Tynedale

Social Media

© Northumberland County Council