Electronic Council Services

Residents in south Warwickshire can now conduct business with their local Council entirely electronically, using either the Internet or the Council's Telephone Contact Centre, should they wish to do so. Stratford-on-Avon District Council has achieved a Government target of 100% of all customer transactions being available electronically.

The target, which is part of the national E-Government process, is also one of the District Council's corporate priorities to help create inclusive communities.

"This is an important milestone - both for the Council in extending our services and making them more accessible to our residents, as well as for residents in being able to access our services more easily," said Cllr Trevor Russel, the Portfolio Holder for Change and Performance.

"These days, more and more people routinely do their weekly shopping, book their holidays and do dozens of other everyday things from their homes through the Internet or using a Telephone Contact Centre.

"They expect - rightly - to be able to access Council services in the same way, at their convenience. Now, they can do so using the Council's Contact Centre or Website.

"It's a real advance - giving more choice for residents to access our services, and it will be especially beneficial to those living in the more rural parts of the District."

Last April the Council launched its redesigned website - www.stratford.gov.uk - to make it easier to use. It provides information about the Council and its services such as planning applications, and can also be used to make payments including paying Council Tax. Comments about the site can be e-mailed to the Council at feedback@stratford.gov.uk

The Council's Telephone Contact Centre has been running since May 2005. A team assists with queries on Benefits, Housing, Parking and other services, can take bookings for bulky waste collections or take payments.