Coventry City Council will shut down over Christmas

[dutchman]

Coventry City Council is to close the majority of its buildings and services over Christmas and New Year for the first time.



Council offices and services – with the exception of some “essential” services – will be closed from Christmas Day to Friday, January 2 as staff take annual leave.

Council officials claim the closures are part of their drive towards “more flexible, modern ways of working” and was agreed after formal consultation with trade unions. The closure is expected to save money on energy bills and a similar closure will now take place every year.

Martin Reeves, the council’s chief executive, said: “With the budget pressures we are facing, we have to look at every possible way of saving money and protecting frontline services – making sure we have the resources for those that need us most at the times they need them.”

Officials say calls and e-mails to the council reduce significantly over the Christmas and New Year period, and that this shows it is not a time when many residents want, or expect, to deal with the council.

For urgent enquiries during the closure, call 02476 833333, or visit http://www.coventry.gov.uk .