Customers will soon be able to benefit from changes to the reception area for Revenues and Benefits at the council offices in St Edmundsbury House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds. The two services have been combined, providing a better service for customers.
At present the reception desks are at different ends of the building yet queries are often inter-related. In addition, none of the existing counters are suitable for wheelchair users and the layout of the interview rooms often makes access difficult for staff and customers. The new area will mean queries covering Council Tax, business rates, debts, benefits and homelessness can all be dealt with in one place. Payment of Council Tax and queries about planning issues will still be dealt with in the existing reception area.
The changes, which were agreed at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 1 September, will create a new single reception counter with three positions, one of which will fully comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. In addition, desk space for two homelessness officers will be provided and clients will be able to use the new interview rooms.
ENDS
ISSUED BY MARIANNE HULLAND, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757034. marianne.hulland@stedsbc.gov.uk
