Council Tax self service telephony 24/7

From September 8th residents will be able to access a comprehensive range of information about Council Tax 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A self service telephone system will enable customers to both access or leave information at whatever time is convenient to them. It will be quick and simple to use and there will be no waiting in a call queue.

The self service system focuses on dealing with straight forward enquiries and requests, enabling staff to be available during normal office hours to resolve the more complex matters and to support customers who may need a greater degree of support.

The service will be monitored and reviewed and customer feedback will help the future development of the service.

Customers can access information or leave a recorded enquiry at any time on the following number 01276 707176.

The council's corporate portfolio holder Cllr Colin Dougan said: "We are very pleased to introduce a new self service system which will give our customers improved access to services and information from the council when they need it. It will mean enquiries can be dealt with more efficiently and answered quicker, while enabling our dedicated staff to spend more time with customers who need one to one assistance."

Our self service telephone service 01276 707176 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so you can get information at a time that suits you. Calls are charged at the local rate.

General enquiries can be answered by this automated service, which means our staff have more time to deal with difficult enquiries and to process your claims.

The Council offices are still open normal office hours 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 5.00pm on Friday.

The automated line does not allow you to set up a direct debit by telephone out of our office hours.

The following "help keys" will take you straight to the information you require.

• HELP KEY1 To make a payment
• HELP KEY 2 If you have received a reminder letter, notice of a bailiff visit or any other recovery letter
• HELP KEY 3 Advising of changes of address or bereavement
  Discounts & Exemptions including single person discount
  Valuation Bands
  General Council Tax information
  Advising of changes in your circumstances
• HELP KEY 4 How to contact the council