Local authorities across the country are set to close council buildings during the Queen’s funeral but many essential services will still take place.
Libraries, leisure and recycling centres, schools – many council buildings will be closed on Monday as a mark of respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has said that the public should be able to access information and key local services during the official mourning period.
However, the DLUHC acknowledged that maintaining services may be ‘challenging’.
In official guidance to local authorities, The MJ reports that the department said: ‘Many LA [local authority] employees will wish to join the nation in commemorating the life of Her Majesty the Queen and participate in national and local events, including those taking place on the bank holiday.
‘LAs should therefore seek to strike a balance between maintaining services where appropriate and enabling staff to have time off where possible.’
The City of Westminster has warned residents that there may be ‘temporary changes’ to council services?affecting residents and businesses, but that they were working hard to ‘minimise the impact on local communities’.
Manchester City Council said that arrangements similar to those for other bank holidays will be in place for many services.
Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: ‘This Monday will be an historic occasion as Queen Elizabeth II is honoured with a state funeral.
‘We recognise that many people will take comfort in gathering together to share the moment as they pay tribute to the late Queen and reflect on her long and momentous reign. We are pleased to be able to support this communal remembrance through a public screening of the event.
‘As this is a Bank Holiday, people should be aware that many council services will be closed as a mark of respect. However, as is always the case we will be maintaining essential services.’
