Stockport Council says its new website has been redesigned off the back of resident and business demand for better ways to access information and consume services.
As a result, it says, the resource is a place where residents can report, apply and pay for things and find information on a wide range of services “quickly and easily”.
A powerful new Search function to help users find the information they are looking for, as well as quick links to browse the topics that most other people are searching for, has been added, while a new ‘My Account’ feature allows residents access to personalised information on council services, like which bins they need to put out this week, or to view their Council Tax bill and payment schedules.
Another new digital feature is the ability to track the repair of faults, such as street light repair. “Our website enables people to identify the light, check if the fault has already been reported or report it themselves, then follow the status of the repair, until it is resolved. And if they have signed up to My Account, they will see the report in their own account dashboard,” it promises.
The new website and My Account are both part of the Digital Stockport programme, which is focussed on improving the council’s online offer, making better use of digital tools for staff, and increasing the number of residents who have digital skills and access to the Internet.
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The body says more than three-quarters of Stockport residents are already online and use the Internet in most aspects of their daily lives – and that, in common with all local authorities, “Stockport Council is facing challenging financial decisions which mean we have to deliver services more efficiently”.
“We have created a new digital offer because our local residents and businesses are expecting more from our services, so we had to invest in new technology, tools and skills to match that expectation,” said Councillor David Sedgwick, Executive Member for Reform and Governance at Stockport.
“The Digital Stockport programme will also enable us to make further savings whilst delivering public services in new and more efficient ways.”
Starting this week, the council plans to promote its new online services, encouraging residents to use the website with slogans such as ‘An easier way to contact your Council’, and ‘We’re online and ready when you are’.
Also as part of its so-called ‘DigiFeb’ will be a series of events and roadshows offering fun digital activities and learning opportunities across the Borough, including a ‘DigiFest‘ offering free coding lessons, tech workshops for all ages such as creating electronic badges with LED lights, 3D printing, Minecraft coding, gamecraft, and info for residents on getting online, staying safe there, and the new features of its online services.
