Walsall Council website proves a winner
Date Published : 14 July 2008
From planning permission queries to information on park events - more than 63,000 people are now logging on to Walsall Council’s website each month.
This is a ten per cent increase on last year and the over 50s are proving to be among the site’s growing groups of users.
The site’s recruitment section is the most popular with its online applications, job descriptions and employee specifications.
But people are turning to our website to help them in all sorts of ways.
Residents who need to know if they require planning approval for home improvements and details about the application process can find all the information they need online.
Others may want to find out about local amenities such as allotments and recycling centres or pay their council tax online.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section covers a range of queries such as how to claim free school meals or apply for a blue badge. Alternatively; users can use the online contact us forms to report an issue, comment, complain or compliment services directly.
Councillor Mohammed Arif, Cabinet member for procurement, transformation and performance management, said: “Walsall Council is keen to respond to local residents and businesses needs as well as e-government agenda by ensuring that the website is user-friendly.
“The council has invested further to make the website more robust, faster and secure.”
The web team is continually working on new features, and innovations in the pipeline include a service that allows residents to report issues of concern in their street using maps to pinpoint the location.
Jo Stewart, Walsall Council transformation manager said: “It is encouraging to see so many people making use of our website but we are keen to keep making improvements and welcome feedback.
“We are aware that some people may not have access to a computer at home, for instance, so have ensured that the website can be accessed for free from Walsall libraries, schools and the First Stop Shop.
“Free web training sessions are also run regularly from our local libraries.”
Matt Murray, Walsall Council web manager, said: “Within the council around 200 employees have had training to ensure relevant information, updates or news are put on to the site.”
People using our site stand a chance of winning £25 worth of shopping vouchers until the end of August by completing a website usability survey. This survey will be used to help us identify potential improvements to the existing web service and to ensure that people’s varying needs and requirements are supported. The closing date is Sunday 31 August 2008 and the web manager’s decision is final.