Frustrated resident has accused East Dunbartonshire Council of ”shutting up shop” to inquiries

Kirkintilloch man William Copland said: “I recently had to telephone East Dunbartonshire Council  on some minor matter, I was informed by the ‘agent’ a.k.a switch board operator that calls could not be put through to any office.

“On enquiring further I was informed that the council has in effect ceased operation with refuse collection being one of the exceptions.

“Now while my enquiry was not urgent I am stunned that offices or e-mails are not being responded at all.

“Imagine being an elderly person or disabled…. nothing, no response at all and yet for such a reduced service we the residents of East Dunbartonshire are still paying the full council tax.

“Why do we continue to pay for such a service? Safety is important but could council officials not respond by telephone, letters or email?

“When the next council elections come round the present incumbents seeking re-election best have the reasons for such a poor service at hand .”

Council depute chief executive Ann Davie said: “I would like to reassure residents that, far from ceasing operations, council staff have worked diligently throughout the pandemic delivering vital services to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“In line with Government and public health guidelines we moved to an emergency footing at lockdown, delivering essential services while responding to the unprecedented and evolving demands of Covid-19.

“The council website and social media channels are kept up to date with clear and consistent messaging, advising what services have been impacted, changes to services and when services are returning.

“Care teams continue to visit people in their homes, we have made more than 4,000 calls to those who are shielding and delivered over 1,200 food boxes a week to the most vulnerable at the peak.

“Education continued remotely during lockdown and locality hubs have also been delivering childcare for hundreds of children of key workers, including over the school holidays. Over 2,500 food vouchers have been issued instead of school meals to those families who need them.

“We have processed more than 1,200 business grant applications resulting in £11.4 million of grants being distributed in East Dunbartonshire. This includes 935 local small business and 92 in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

“While most offices and public buildings are closed, to offer these and many other services, council employees are working from home where appropriate and others have been redeployed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their hard work and commitment over this unprecedented and challenging time.

“Customer services continue to operate via telephone and email. We will look into the details of this customer’s call and ensure that customers are made aware of how and when their enquiry will be handled.”