Council Tax and
Benefits move to an appointment-only service at Newham
Dockside
Newham Council is transforming
the way it delivers services to residents. As part of the local
authority's Customer Access Strategy, the Council is looking at
everything it does to ensure it delivers the best service and value
for money for its residents.
As part of these changes Newham's Council Tax and
Benefits service will be moving out of Local Services Centres
(LSCs) into a single appointment-only location at Newham Dockside
in Beckton from Tuesday 30 August.
This means that from the 30 August there will be no Council Tax
and Benefits service at any LSCs and you will need to make an
appointment in advance to visit the service at Newham Dockside.Only
customers with an appointment should visit Newham Dockside,
otherwise they will not be seen.
Residents will still be able to speak to a specialist face-to-face
by calling Newham's Contact Centre to book an appointment. This
will mean that residents will be able to turn up at their appointed
time and be seen straight away rather than waiting in a lengthy
queue. Residents will also be able to access services more easily
online and over the telephone.
The reorganisation of Council Tax and Benefits, of which the move
to Newham Dockside is a central part, will save the council around
£1.4 million over three years. Offering appointments from a single
location, along with enhanced online facilities, means the council
will be able to provide a much improved service. This will allow us
to spend money on protecting vital frontline services in the wake
of severe central government cuts.
Councillor Andrew Baikie, executive member for housing and
customer services said: "The council is continuing to change and
modernise the ways services are delivered to give residents better
value for money.
"We appreciate this is a big change for residents, but as a
council we are committed to working more efficiently and providing
a better service for our residents."
Residents do not need to see someone face-to-face at all to deal
with many Council Tax and Benefits enquiries. Transactions such as
paying bills and applying for discounts and exemptions can be done
quickly and easily using our
benefits and payments
area or calling 020 8430 2000.
Residents can speak to staff in their nearest
LSC or see our
frequently asked questions for more information on the changes
taking place.