Bedford Borough Council Customer Services launches appointment service

Bedford Borough Council's Customer Services Centre is introducing an appointment service, for residents who may need that extra digital assistance or face-to-face support.

The Council is here to help and wants to make it as easy and quick as possible for people to get the answer to a question or resolve an issue they may have. The easiest and quickest way to get in touch or find out information is via the website at: www.bedford.gov.uk.

People can save time and do it online, with lots of forms on the website which allow people to report issues quickly, at a time that is convenient for them. The website is easily accessible from computers, tablets and smart phones.

If you can't find the answer online and need to speak to someone, Customer Services are there to help on the phone at 01234 267422. They will work to help you and resolve your enquiry over the phone.

If it is not possible to resolve the issue over the phone, then for those that need additional support or help with going online, the Customer Services Team will be able to offer a face to face appointment from Monday 1 November. The computers in the Customer Services Centre will also be available to use again, when booked with an appointment.

There will continue to be a face-to-face emergency service at the Customer Service Centre for vulnerable people, or those with an urgent housing need. For other residents, the online and phone options should continue to be used.

Customer Services will also be changing their operating hours to 9am-5pm on Monday-Friday, except Wednesday which will be 10am-5pm.

The Council's phone lines will continue to be compatible with services for those who are hearing impaired, and if appointments are required the Customer Service Centre has hearing induction loops for those who need them. If you need additional support in place for an appointment, please let the Customer Services Team know when booking.

Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Customer Services said "The Council continues to be here to support all residents online and over the phone. The team will endeavour to resolve your enquiries over the phone however, for those that need additional support or digital assistance we will be introducing the offer of a face-to-face appointment. As a Council, we are always looking to evolve our services. For most people contacting the Council via our website is the quickest and most convenient way to get in touch, and we are there to help on the phone if necessary. By introducing this appointment-based service, residents who need that face to face advice or assistance will be able to make a booking and avoid unnecessary time spent waiting to see someone."