Redesign of Council Offices at Petters Way in Yeovil will give customers better experience

Released On 18th Jul 2018

The front of house area at the District Council's offices in Petters Way will see a redesign which will offer customers a better experience with a fresh, modern and contemporary environment.

Plans to redesign the area, which include submitting a planning application for a new entrance, will see a self-serve zone implemented and other facilities that will be technology enabled to promote self-service to customers.

Those customers who need face to face help will still be able to receive that level service to enable a fast resolution to customer enquiries.

The area will be focussed on the Council's new way of working, with Customer focussed officers greeting customers to promote self-service by supporting them to develop skills and do more themselves. It will also provide a convenient location to get advice and access a whole range of services.

The new front of house will create a space for greeting customers/triage, self-serve, reception desk, informal meeting areas and private interview rooms.

Councillor Henry Hobhouse, Portfolio Holder for Property, Climate Change and Income Generation said: "It is critical we get the space right and we want to ensure the space increases customer and staff satisfaction. Officers have visited many other public sector organisations to try to find the best outcome for the front of house area".

Customers can access services online at any time of the day by using the Council's range of online services including paying Council Tax or other bills, reporting missed waste or recycling collections, registering to vote, applying for Housing Benefit, joining the housing list or making a planning application plus much more. Visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/online-services to see the range of services currently available.

In early 2019, a brand new website with personal online customer accounts will be introduced, making going online and dealing with council-related queries easier and more conveinient.

The application, which has been submitted to Planning Officers, to create a new glass-fronted entrance way at Petters House can be found on the SSDC Planning Portal at /planningdetails/?id=1802116R3D.

Above: The current front of South Somerset District Council's Petters Way offices in Yeovil