On Thursday last week Durham County Council held consultation sessions at the Youth & Community Centre inviting representatives from the town to comment on the proposed changes to the council’s new strategy in dealing with customers.
Mary Readman Customer Relations Manager met small groups of residents to outline new policies designed to put customers first in moves to improve the service and efficiency at County Hall.
Budget cuts have forced the council to become more efficient and save on the high costs involved in serving the needs of customers.
A new interactive website goes live soon and it is going to be much easier to make contact with the right people. There is to be an element of self service and working in partnership to deliver a better service.
One policy change which cost less, and improved the service was moving school admsissions to on-line application. The new approach is aimed at “access for all” and making it easier for everyone to contact the service they require.
Each group were allowed to make suggestions based on their own experiences in the past on contacting the Council which were noted to be analysed before the final strategy is implemented. Mary said she had over 300 responses and she thanked all who took part, stating the feedback was much appreciated.
