Council Tax and
Benefits move to Newham Dockside FAQs
Newham Council is transforming the
way it delivers customer services. We are looking at everything we
do to ensure that we deliver the best service and value for money
for our residents.
As part of these changes this summer Newham's Council
Tax and Benefits service will be moving out of
Local Services Centres into a single location at Newham
Dockside in Beckton.
Once the move has taken place, should you need to speak to someone
in the service face-to-face you will be given an appointment
through Newham's Contact Centre rather than waiting in a
queue.
Why are you making these changes?
What can I do without an
appointment?
I don't have a home computer, how will I
access the website?
Do I need an appointment?
How do I get to Newham
Dockside?
I'm disabled and unable to get to Newham
Dockside - what shall I do?
When will the changes take place?
Why are you
making these changes?
Offering appointments from a single location and enabling
residents to access services more easily online and over the
telephone means we will be able to provide a far more efficient and
cost-effective service for our customers. This will allow us to
spend money on protecting vital frontline services in the wake of
severe central government cuts.
What
can I do without an appointment?
You can do many things, such as paying bills, applying for
discounts and exemptions, and checking your Council Tax account,
without having to see someone in person; simply visit our
benefits and payments
section or call 020 8430 2000.
I don't have
a home computer, how will I access the
website?
All our libraries have free internet access for residents to use,
with staff on hand to provide guidance on how to use the computers
and website. Self service facilities where you will be able to
access council services via the internet will also soon be
available in some of our customer-facing buildings in the
borough.
Do I need an
appointment?
If you are making a new claim for Housing and/ or Council Tax
Benefit or reporting a Change of circumstance you may need an
appointment. Simply call 020 8430 2000 and an appointment will be
made if necessary.
If you have a query regarding Council Tax that isn't related to a
Benefit claim, your query may be sorted out when you call the
Contact Centre. If the officer you speak to cannot deal with your
query themselves, then they will make an appointment for you to see
a specialist officer in Newham Dockside.
How
do I get to Newham Dockside?
There are several public transport services that serve Newham
Dockside. Full details about your appointment, including how to get
to Newham Dockside and limited blue badge parking availability,
will be provided when it is booked.
I'm disabled and
unable to get to Newham Dockside - what shall I
do?
In circumstances where a resident is unable to get to Newham
Dockside for medical reasons, we will offer home visits. These will
be decided on a case by case basis.
When will
the changes take place?
It is planned that Newham Dockside will be open for Council Tax
and Benefits customers from Monday 15 August. Remember you
must have an appointment when you visit Newham Dockside, otherwise
you will not be seen. Council Tax and Benefits services
will no longer be offered in any Local Service Centres from Friday
26 August.