Face-to-face customer service returns at council

Brighton's residents will be able to discuss services face-to-face with council staff after some experienced issues online.

From 6 May, those who struggled to contact the council online or by phone will be able to visit new helpdesks, said Brighton & Hove City Council.

"Upcoming changes will make accessing customer services easier," a spokesperson said.

Customer service centres will move from Bartholomew House and Hove Town Hall to new helpdesks at Jubilee and Hove Libraries, which will be open between 10:00 and 17:00 BST Monday to Friday, they added.

Following a review of customer services, the council announced a string of changes to how residents can seek support and access council services.

Dedicated staff will be on hand to help residents with queries, including applying for a bus pass, renewing a blue badge and getting information about how to pay their council tax.

In-person support will also be available at family hubs in Whitehawk, Moulsecoomb, Hangleton and Tarner.

Free access to computers and telephones will also be available at all four hubs and 13 libraries across the city for customers who do not have a phone or access to the internet to contact council services.

Jacob Allen, cabinet member for adult social care, public health and service transformation, said: "It's essential that every resident can access council services when they need them, and we appreciate not everyone can go online or pick up the phone.

"By decentralising and bringing services directly to our communities, this project will make it easier for people across the city who need face-to-face support to get it.

"We'll continue to encourage residents to use our online services where possible, but we've listened to feedback and are proud to offer a more accessible, in-person option for residents seeking assistance with accessing the breadth of services we provide."

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