Our customer care

We aim to give the highest standard of customer care to all members of our community. 

When contacting us you can expect:

  • staff to acknowledge you, be courteous and give their name and their service area
  • your dealings with us will be treated confidentially and we will tell you if the information you provide is to be used for any other purpose
  • all of our staff will try to resolve your issue the first time you contact us
  • all of our staff will communicate clearly according to your needs

Our standards

Website

  • report faulty street lighting, abandoned cars, graffiti, rubbish, waste issues
  • make a payment online including council tax, housing rent, general invoices, parking fines and housing benefit
  • renew your parking permit and library books 
  • find general information on council services such as opening hours and where our offices are and when your next bin collection will be 
  • find out how to get more involved in our work and your local community
  • get help to use our website including easy navigation and help with translations
  • make a compliment, comment or complain about a service

When you email a service area or complete an online form, we will reply to you within 2 working days

Telephone calls 

  • we aim to resolve all calls at the first point of contact, but if the enquiry needs specialist advice you will receive a call back within 2 working days
  • we use answer phones as little as possible but if you do leave a recorded message we will get back to you by the end of the next working day
  • if you don’t get through to the right person straight away, our staff will transfer you or ask the right person to telephone you back

When you visit our face to face services 

It is best to make an appointment so we can see you quickly.

We aim to see all visitors within 5 minutes if you do have an appointment, but you might have to wait at least 30 minutes if you do not have an appointment.

When you write by letter or fax 

  • we will reply to your communication within 7 working days of receiving your letter or fax
  • if we cannot answer you fully within 7 working days, we will let you know who is dealing with your query and when you can expect a full reply
  • our response will give the name and telephone extension of the person dealing with your query
  • where possible, our staff will be out-and-about in our reception area rather than sitting behind a desk, to assist you in resolving your own queries

Giving us feedback

We want to make sure the services we provide give you good value for money. We are always interested in your feedback. 

When visiting Civic Reception you can use the feedback boards or use the telephone feedback system when speaking to our Contact Centres.

Sometimes things go wrong, so if we do not meet our published standards, or if you are not happy with the way we treat you, please let us know

  • tell us as soon as possible, so we have a chance to put the matter right
  • if you want to take it further, the council has a formal complaints procedure and this is set out on our website
  • we will provide a safe and confidential environment
  • we will call you in advance if we are unable to keep an appointment

Our staff

On Tuesday 23rd September, youtuber, the Laughing Auditor, came to the Council's reception and registrars' office. 

Our staff in reception do a great job supporting our residents to access the vital services they need often at a time of crisis.

The Council does not tolerate harassment of or by its staff. Having reviewed the video footage and spoken to those involved, our staff acted appropriately and in line with the Council's protocols.