But residents can still access a range of information and transactions via the council website – sefton.gov.uk.
This includes checking bin collections, applying for licences, reporting environmental issues or paying Council Tax and business rates.
As a result of the unpaid leave, to be taken on December 22, 27, 28 and 29 most council buildings will be closed, contributing to significant savings as part of the budget setting process.
Services that will continue to operate include critical social care services for adults and children, a limited street cleaning service, Registrars, domestic and commercial waste collections and urgent highways issues, including gritting.
From December 26-29 refuse and recycling collections will operate a day later than normal. This means collections will take place from Wednesday, December 27 to Saturday, December 30. Residents are also being encouraged to recycle as much waste as possible.
Similar to other years, the green wheelie bin collection for garden waste will be suspended from the end of November and will return in March, 2018.
Some Sefton Council-run leisure centres will be open at varying times during these dates and users are advised to check sefton.gov.uk for opening times.
A list of social care emergency phone numbers is attached below (see notes to editors).
Cllr Ian Maher, Labour Leader of Sefton Council, said:
“We have been running the Christmas shutdown for a number of years now and this contributes to the savings we have to make due significant reductions in Government funding.
“Over the course of the financial year, our hard working staff have had their pay reduced in order to take four days unpaid leave. Other savings from the closure period come from the reduced need for heating, lighting and running buildings, equipment and vehicles.
“While reduced services are being operated, residents will see how these continuing cuts are having an increasing impact on all our communities right across the borough. While disappointing, we will continue to provide the best services possible with the limited funds available to us.”
To access a range of service and transactions online, visit sefton.gov.uk. An automated phone service will be in place between December 22 and January 2, 2018 on 0345 140 0845 and most service requests will only be actioned beyond January.
Emergency contacts on December 22, 27, 28, and 29 between 9am-5.30pm:
Children’s Social Care: 0151 934 3114
Adult Social Care: 01704 704389 (North)
Adult Social Care: 0151 529 3761 (South)
For Social Care emergencies at all other times call the Emergency Duty Team 0151 934 3555
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