£250k saved as new and improved customer contact service launched in South Cambridgeshire

By Jack Tappin
Published on 26/12/2012 13:00

A new and improved customer contact service at South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) has opened saving taxpayers at least £250,000 a year.

As well as allowing residents and businesses to get in touch by phone, web-chat and text messaging is being introduced early next year to make it even easier for people to contact SCDC in a way that suits them best.

The phone numbers for contacting SCDC remain unchanged, but the new in-house team at SCDC’s Cambourne offices will be on hand.

In December a new self-service website will also be launched by SCDC so customers can carry out more of their business online at any time of the day.

Making it easier for residents to carry out tasks online and through web-chat and text messaging is expected to bring even more annual savings.

Over the last three years SCDC bosses have already saved over £4 million through driving efficiencies to meet tough savings targets due to national austerity measures.

Cllr James Hockney, SCDC cabinet member for corporate and customer service, officially opened the new centre in SCDC offices on Friday (November 30).

Cllr Hockney said: “The new customer contact service will not only save thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money each year, but at the same time it will also see us ramp up the service we can offer residents.

“In a period where budgets for councils are under immense pressure it is fantastic that we are being innovative and trying to find ways of doing more for less money as far as we can.

“People are increasingly using new ways to contact each other, and it is important we keep up.

“By adding the new channels such as web chat and text messaging we’re making our service fit better with the busy lives of our residents.”

Residents wanting to get in touch with SCDC can call the general enquiries line on 03450 450500, email scdc@scambs.gov.uk and visit www.scambs.gov.uk

For all the latest news see Thursday’s (December 27) Echo.

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£250k saved as new and improved customer contact service launched in South Cambridgeshire

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