Government has announced that Monday, 19 September 2022, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, will be a national bank holiday. This date will also mark the final day of the period of national mourning.
In line with the latest government guidance, we are keeping the majority of public services running throughout the period of national mourning. We will, however, be making some adjustments to service availability on the day of the State Funeral as a mark of respect.
Council services affected
We can confirm that the following Council services and facilities will be affected in the following ways on Monday, 19 September:
Council events and public-facing meetings
The arrangements below are in addition to the cancellation of all Council events and public-facing meetings (including the September Full Council) as announced previously.
Reception points
The reception points at Carn Gwaval and St Mary's library will be closed.
Payments
Payments will not be taken over the phone. This is because our on-island reception points will be closed and our finance team in Cornwall will be observing the Bank Holiday. Payments which can be made online will still be processed. You can find further information about online payments on our website.
Airport
St Mary’s Airport will remain open.
Waste collections
Waste collections will go ahead. However, as a mark of respect, collections will begin earlier, cease at 10.30am and recommence (on the same day) following the funeral.
To allow us to start collections as soon as possible on this day, we ask that waste is well contained and taken to the usual collection points, by 7.30am. If a collection is missed, please email zerowaste@scilly.gov.uk or call 01720 424450 and leave a voicemail message, which will be picked up on Tuesday, 20 September.
We will write to all residents affected by this change.
Waste and Recycling Centre
The waste and recycling centre will be closed.
Swimming pool
Normandy swimming pool will be shut. All swimming lessons have been cancelled on this day and will be refunded.
Gym
All gym classes and manned gym sessions have been cancelled.
Unmanned sessions will continue between 6am and 10pm.
External events on Council land or in Council buildings
External events and meetings taking place on Council-owned land are being assessed on a case-by-case basis. It is the responsibility of the event organiser to inform attendees of any cancellation, relocation or rescheduling arrangements.
A Book of Condolence will remain in the Wesleyan Chapel until the close of play on the day following the funeral, so no events that are not organised by the Council and directly related to the funeral, the period of national mourning or the accession of King Charles III can take place in this venue until 21 September 2022 at the earliest.
Reduced workforce
Please bear in mind that we anticipate a reduced workforce on Monday, 19 September 2022 as the majority of staff will be permitted to take the day off to pay their respects to Her Majesty and commemorate Her reign. On-call arrangements will remain in place for all services.
Social media restrictions and how to access further information
In line with other authorities and government organisations across the UK, we are also restricting our use of Council social media channels throughout the period of national mourning, so we encourage you to check for updates to services on the relevant pages of our website, or to call our local enquiries team on 0300 1234 105 (option 5) with any questions ahead of the bank holiday.
Further information and guidance
Guidance intended to provide the public, businesses and institutions with an explanation of National Mourning, and outline some practical advice on how individuals and organisations may wish to observe public mourning during this period is available on the gov.uk website.
For information relating to the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen, please visit the Royal Family website.