Council website aims to make life easier


MAIDSTONEBorough Council has launched its new customer-focusedwebsite. A complete redesign and rewrite of the


new site –www.maidstone.gov.uk – means it is now more straightforward to do every- thing council-related online, from checking waste collection days to paying council tax. Maidstone joined forces with Tunbridge


Wells Council to share ideas and costs. Council buzzwords and local government


jargon were dropped in favour of language the customer can understand. The web team are the only people who


edit and write content for the site. Those working in specific service areas simply supply content and check that what is pub- lished is accurate. Website officer Karen Jeal said: “The web-


site can be accessed at any time of day, 365 days a year, from the comfort of your home.” Astudy by O2 showed that 48% of people would like to use the internet, mobile apps or social media to pay their council tax or access local services, but in the past year only 7% have been able to do so. “The study suggests councils are not connecting enough with the people they serve online,” said Karen. A test site was trialled over several months, enabling the site to be refined be- fore going “live”. Comments included: “What a great look-


ing site you have developed and you have clearly put a lot of thought into making it simple, which has paid dividends.” and “I have been ‘playing’ on the new website and wow - what an improvement. Your new de- sign beats other local authority websites by miles.”


Residents are now advised to save time


andfrustration by goingonline–amuch easier and faster option than queuing at the Gateway. “Most of the information customers call


or come in for is on the new site and if it’s not, there are plenty of forms to allow cus- tomers to get in touch,” said Karen. “Your query or request will be acted upon by


THE introduction of two flags on flagpoles as part of the High Street regeneration scheme were criticised for looking like a “car show- room”. The comment was made by Cllr Richard


Lusty, chairman of theplanning committee that granted permission for the flags on 7m poles next to the re-sited cannon in the lower High Street. It is part of phase two of the High Street


scheme, which includes improvements to the public areas, increased pedestrian space and seating areas. Cllr Fran Wilson, a committee member and leader of the opposition Lib Dems, said of the


flags plan: “I dislike it intently. It is tacky, but in planning terms I can see no reason to refuse.” Theproposalwas supportedby sevenmembers, with three against and two abstentions.


council staff just as it would if you were phoning up or visiting the Gateway.” Customers will get an email back straight


away to say the enquiry has been received and customers can expect a response from customer services within two working days. There are forms online for reporting fly- tipping, dog-fouling, abandoned vehicles, noise, anti-social behaviour, graffiti,missed bins, and general enquiry forms. Customers can also give feedback, invite


the mayor to events and register an interest in commercial property and waste. There are interactive maps to find out


about your property and apply for planning permission. Customers can pay their council tax, set


up a direct debit and sign up for email billing – all online. Now, the council is working on a template which will adapt for mobile devices.


‘Tacky’ High Street flags get the go-ahead


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