We’re continuing to work with Devon County Council (DCC) to ensure the UK’s most vulnerable people who should be ‘shielded’ from the virus for at least 12 weeks are supported with help such as urgent food, medicine and care supplies.
The Government has published guidance about the medical conditions that they consider make people extremely vulnerable, and the NHS is contacting those identified to provide further advice.
You can register yourself or on behalf of someone else.
If you are isolated with no access to support from family or friends, and in urgent need, you can see details of community support in your area by visiting our website. You can also email us or phone 01626 361101, where our staff can help co-ordinate help.
Advisory message: Please be aware of fraud. Some unscrupulous people may try to take advantage of this situation to take your money. Please note that our staff and the volunteers working with us will always carry identification and will never ask for your bank details.
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Maintaining our waste and recycling services
Our crews are doing everything they can to maintain our collections and this week the overwhelming number of rounds have been completed. We are working to catch up on any collections which have not been made and are optimistic that we shall do so.
As residents are following the guidance to stay at home, our waste and recycling crews are collecting additional waste. This is putting extra strain on the workforce.
We would ask residents to think twice before taking the opportunity to have a clear out, or taking on a DIY project, and only to do so if they are prepared to hold on to their waste for the duration of the outbreak. Please remember that recycling centres are closed and we cannot take DIY waste in black bins.
Inevitably the position will change daily so please stay up to date by keeping an eye on www.teignbridge.gov.uk/collectiondisruptions where we post information on how our services are affected.
If your household is affected by the Coronavirus, please follow our specific advice on how to deal with your waste and wash your hands before putting your bins out to help minimise the spread of the virus.
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In last week’s Covid 19 update, we said that garden waste collections had been suspended. We are sorry that this was incorrect. Our waste and recycling teams caught up over the weekend with collections which had been missed due to staff shortages, caused by colleagues self-isolating.
Some of our food traders at Newton Abbot Markets will be operating from the food hall from Monday 6 April (8am to 1pm, Mon-Sat) with a few also trading outdoors.
Food Hall traders:
- Ashfords Fruit & Veg
- Bakers the Butchers
- Stoneman’s Delicatessen
- The Bay Tree (takeaway only)
Outdoor traders:
- India in a Jar – Weds and Saturdays from 4 April
- Passion for Pie – Saturdays only from 11 April
Our team is busy getting everything ready for Monday, ensuring we stick to the strict Government guidance whilst allowing customers to access their favourite products during this difficult time.
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Going stir crazy shut in at home? Missing the gym? Want to maintain physical fitness and mental wellbeing? Or just need to keep the kids occupied over the prolonged holiday?
Our Leisure Team has designed a programme of FREE activities to keep your mind active and your body toned, whatever your age or fitness level.
There’s plenty of fun and upbeat things to do for people of all ages, including:
- Daily classes with TDC instructors, plus video classes with Joe Wicks or Les Mills
- Workout@Home with Teignbridge Leisure, with a built-in timer for your countdown
- Spot The Difference Competitions
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In line with Government instructions, all play parks, skate-parks and outside gyms are closed. For your own safety please do not try and use them.
Changes to the ways our car parks are operating during this coronavirus pandemic have been made.
Essential workers and volunteers travelling to perform an essential role will receive free parking in Council owned car parks without having to worry about cost or time restrictions.
All they have to do is display supporting evidence or email with details of their registration, make of vehicle and evidence of eligibility. Essential workers are all blue light service staff, NHS and private health care workers, social care workers and businesses and volunteers delivering essential food and medicine. If a Penalty Charge Notice is issued to one of these exempt groups or workers when they are carrying out their duties the ticket will be cancelled.
For everyone else fees and charges still apply and existing permits remain valid. Non-essential workers should comply with the Government’s advice not to travel and pay the appropriate charges, ideally using cashless methods of payment, such as contactless card payment or by phone using RingGo.
If self-isolating and you receive a Penalty Charge Notice, we will take a pragmatic approach to any appeal received.
The Government has announced a National £500 million hardship fund to help working age people, who get Council Tax Reduction (CTR), pay their council tax bill.
This will provide a discount of up to £150 to be automatically awarded, to those working age customers who receive CTR and bills showing this will be issued as soon as possible in April.
Teignbridge already provides 100 per cent support to its most vulnerable residents but this fund will help those who still have something to pay. There’s no need to contact us about this.
Customers with a balance of £150 or more to pay will receive a £150 discount. Those with a balance of less than £150 will have their balance reduced to nil but not put into credit.
We are working on the guidance we have received and will look to apply these discounts as soon as we are able.
Domestic abuse can get worse during times of stress and uncertainty. If you are in an abusive relationship and need help, here are just some of the people and places that can provide help. Take the first step today.
Contact Victim Support 24/7 online (click on the ‘Chat Now’ button) or call them on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit this website In emergency always call 999.
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'Every Mind Matters' has released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing whilst staying at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
It also includes guidance if you’re feeling worried or anxious about the outbreak.
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We’re doing everything we can to make sure that we provide an offer of accommodation and support for anyone who is verified as sleeping rough by our Outreach Service.
If you see someone sleeping rough you can help them by reporting their details through Streetlink By doing so, details are sent to our Outreach team so they can find the individual and connect them to support. The team will conduct a visit within 24 hours.
Alternatively, you can report someone sleeping rough by calling the Housing Team on 01626 361101 or email us.
Whether a landlord or a tenant there is covid-19 renting guidance on the Government’s website.
Landlords can also subscribe to receive local e-newsletters regarding all aspects of renting property, including changes in legislation, local events and training as well as funding available to help carry out necessary works. Subscribe to our landlords' newsletter
Properties wanted
The council currently has a need for one and two bed properties in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Kingsteignton and Kingskerswell to help provide temporary accommodation. Properties would be leased on a short term basis of 4 – 6 months. Rent is payable directly by the Council and is based on the current enhanced local housing allowance rates. If you have an unoccupied property and you are able to help please email us
We’ve received over 1,300 applications for Business Support Grants in less than a week since Government announced measures including Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant.
We’re using new software as we work hard to process requests. If you’ve already applied, please don’t chase it up as this slows down our processing team.
Eligible TDC business rate payers can apply online
If unable to complete the form, please phone us on 01626 361101.
Beware of offers to apply on your behalf in return for a fee. DIY application online are easy and there’s a helpful video too.
Sign up for the TDC Business Brief newsletter
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A ‘Need to Know Guide’ has been published to help people understand the issues covered in the draft local plan consultation which runs until 15th June. It is important that we hear from as many residents as possible as this plan plays a key role in supporting local jobs, people and the environment.
The Government has signalled its clear support for us to continue engaging with you on the plan despite the difficult times we face. The important issues addressed through the draft plan will endure after the pandemic – the need for more of the most affordable types of housing, better design, protection of the natural environment and tackling the climate emergency.
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Garden centres/plant nurseries are not included in the current Government’s list of businesses able to continue to trade other than via direct delivery to customers. This week we therefore served a prohibition notice on the Newton Abbot branch of Plants Galore requiring it to cease trading unless it made changes to conform with government requirements. Other garden centres have closed voluntarily or switched to on line trading only. By remaining open Plants Galore is not only breaking the current law but encouraging non-essential travel.
Please follow the government’s advice and only go out:
- To buy food or medicine
- To attend health appointments
- For essential work that cannot be done at home.
If you are out, make sure you stay two metres away from other people and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
For the latest information go to
You can sign up to receive Devon County Council’s Covid-19 newsletter at or visit their coronavirus web pages
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