Improving access to Council services

Residents and businesses across High Peak can now access a wider range of Council services online thanks to the introduction of a new website.

The site has been designed to make it easier for people to find information and to self-serve by accessing an increased range of council services digitally - and on smart phones and tablets as well as computers.

New IT equipment has been installed at Buxton Town Hall as part of a wider project - called ican - to enable residents and businesses to carry out more of their transactions with the Council online. Facilities are also in place at Glossop's Municipal Buildings.

Councillor Emily Thrane, Executive Councillor for Corporate Services, said: "Being able to do everyday tasks, such as paying for services, reporting issues and finding information, is something that people expect to be able to do via websites and we're responding to that demand.

"We've increased the number of web forms that people can complete online to reduce the need to wait at receptions or in telephone queues. This, in turn, frees our customer services staff to deal with more complex enquiries and improves the overall service we're able to provide to all our customers.

"The next step is to make sure people know about these improvements and feel confident using the new site - and we'll be doing that via our 'ican' information campaign over the coming weeks.

More information about the improvements and 'ican' will be included with council tax bills which are being sent out now.

Councillor Thrane added: "We're keen to hear what our businesses and residents think of our new website. Please have a look at it and then complete the short survey - which is available via a link on the homepage - to share your views and suggestions."