Online council service reaches milestone number of users in Rutland
MyAccount has reached more than 1,000 users in its first two months
An online Rutland County Council service has reached more than 1,000 users in its first two months.
MyAccount aims to make it easier for people in Rutland to access council services via the internet, allowing them to access information about things such as bin collections, local roads and Council Tax.
The council launched the new service at the beginning of August.
The features available through MyAccount allow people to:
-Get customised information about their home and neighbourhood
-Go paperless – accessing bills, paying Council Tax, and checking balances online
-Tell the council about issues with waste bins, waste collections and recycling
-Say that they are moving home or have moved
-Give feedback and raise general enquiries.
Councillor Oliver Hemsley, leader of Rutland County Council, said:
"We’re really pleased that so many people have signed up to use MyAccount online.
"This personalised service is accessible 24/7 from any device with an internet connection and is by far the quickest and easiest way to interact with the council.
"Things like reporting a missed bin collection take seconds and we would like to see more people join this online service.
"For those without internet access, there is still the option to call us on the telephone.
"However, we hope that providing better services online will keep the phone lines free for vulnerable residents and those with urgent enquiries.
"For the small number of people who can’t resolve their query online or by phone, there remains the option to book an appointment to see a council officer in person."
The council used the coronavirus lockdown period to develop its use of internet services such as MyAccount and the fault reporting system FixMyStreet.
Residents are now being encouraged to go online or email enquiries@rutland.gov.uk first, if they have a problem or query.
Anyone who cannot do what they need online or over the phone will be offered an appointment to visit the council.
Meanwhile from today (4 October), customers arriving at Catmose with a general enquiry, but no appointment, will only be able to speak to advisors via telephones in the Customer Services area.
The council said these phones will connect people to council services as if they had rung from home.
Cllr Hemsley added:
"We’ve all had to change the way we do things because of COVID.
"In many cases, this has led to improvements in the way we operate.
"The closure of our Customer Services area highlighted the benefits that we can extend to customers by improving our website and phone services, while still offering a small number of face-to-face appointments when needed.
"This means less waiting in queues – particularly for vulnerable residents – and fewer wasted journeys because customers can be sure the person they need to see has time set aside just for them.
"Our message to the majority of residents is ‘start online’.
"Call us if you query is urgent or you can’t find what you need through our website or MyAccount service.
"There will always be the option to see an officer if you need to meet in person and this will be done via appointment so you are guaranteed the right help."
People can find out more about MyAccount and how to use the service online.