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Council Services in Alnwick
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Council Services in Alnwick

Bins, council tax, reporting issues, and the library — your guide to Northumberland County Council and Alnwick Town Council services.

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If you have just moved to Alnwick, or simply want to know how things work around here, understanding which council does what can save you a lot of time. Alnwick is served by two councils: Northumberland County Council, which handles most public services, and Alnwick Town Council, which looks after local matters like parks and green spaces. Here is a practical guide to the key services you are most likely to need.

Northumberland County Council vs Alnwick Town Council

Northumberland County Council is the principal local authority and handles the services that affect daily life most directly: waste collection, roads, schools, social care, libraries, and planning. It sets and collects your council tax and maintains the highways. If something needs fixing or you need to access a public service, this is usually your first port of call.

Alnwick Town Council operates at a more local level. It manages parks, allotments, the cemetery, floral displays, and community events. It also comments on planning applications and acts as a community voice, raising issues with the county council on residents' behalf. The town council sets a small precept that is added to your council tax bill.

Best for: For most day-to-day issues like bins, roads, and schools, Northumberland County Council is the one to contact.

Bins and recycling

Northumberland County Council runs the bin collection service across the county. In Alnwick, you will typically have a green bin for general waste and a blue bin for recycling. Collections alternate weekly. You can check your specific collection day using the bin collection lookup tool on the county council website by entering your postcode.

If you need a replacement bin or a new one, you can order it through the council's website or by calling 0345 600 6400. Bulky waste items such as furniture and appliances can be collected for a fee by booking through the bulky waste service.

There is also a recycling point at Greenwell Lane Car Park in Alnwick for items like glass, textiles, and small electrical goods.

From autumn 2026, Northumberland County Council is introducing weekly kerbside food waste collections as part of the Government's new Simpler Recycling rules, which require all councils to collect the same set of recycling materials. The rollout will begin in southeast Northumberland and expand across the county.

Best for: Check your bin day online. Collections alternate weekly between general waste and recycling.

Council tax

Council tax is collected by Northumberland County Council and funds most local services. The amount you pay depends on the valuation band of your property. Your bill will include charges from the county council, the police and crime commissioner, the fire service, and Alnwick Town Council's precept.

You can pay your council tax by direct debit, online, by phone, or at a Post Office. If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for council tax reduction. Single-person households receive a 25% discount. Students, people with certain disabilities, and some other groups may also qualify for exemptions or discounts. Full details are available on the Northumberland County Council website.

Reporting issues

If you spot a pothole, a broken street light, fly-tipping, or another problem on a public road or footpath, you can report it through Northumberland County Council's FixMyStreet portal. The system allows you to pinpoint the location on a map and describe the problem. The council's inspection team aims to review reports within 10 working days and will send you updates on progress.

You can also report issues by calling the county council on 0345 600 6400 during office hours.

For issues specific to Alnwick town centre, such as problems with benches, planters, or the town's green spaces, contact Alnwick Town Council directly through their website or by calling the town clerk's office.

Best for: Use FixMyStreet at fix.northumberland.gov.uk to report potholes, broken lights, and other highway problems.

Alnwick Library

Alnwick Library is located at Green Batt, NE66 1TU, close to the Town Hall in the centre of town. It is run by Northumberland County Council and offers far more than just book lending. Services include free internet and Wi-Fi access, digital resources, events and activities for children and adults, family history research facilities, and access to special collections.

The library is also home to a Customer Information Centre where you can get face-to-face help with council services, from council tax queries to bus pass applications.

Opening hours are as follows:

  • Monday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
  • Friday: 12:00pm to 7:00pm
  • Saturday: 9:30am to 12:30pm

Best for: The library doubles as a Customer Information Centre for face-to-face help with council services.

Useful contacts

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