21st Century Customer Service (03/02/06)
The development of Citizone Points of Presence (PoP) in Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis is among the future plans included in the strategy as well as the delivery of a wider range of services such as expanded internet facilities, text chat and video telephony enabling customers to get the information they need as quickly as possible via electronic means.
All general enquiries by telephone will eventually be directed to a central 0845 (local rate number) which will connect directly to a customer service adviser in the Council Offices for instant help or advice, or directed internally to the appropriate person - this is planned to come into service later this year.
The Citizone PoP has been a successful pilot service running in Dunstable Library as a one stop shop for advice or information about council and other services to the public since its opening in 2005. South Beds District Council is joining with Mid Beds and the County Council in the Bedfordshire Internet Portal which will give a wide range of information on services and facilities available throughout the area. This is approaching completion and should be fully functioning in the next few months.
Councillor Carole Hegley, the Executive Committee member with responsibility for Customer Service, said: "Customer service has to be at the heart of all we do here at South Bedfordshire District Council and this strategy tells how we are going to deliver the best possible service in the future. Using technology wisely as outlined in the strategy means we can continue to enhance our service, and this is complemented by our plans to make it more convenient for our customers to contact us in a number of ways and specifically in person."
