Stockport Council’s use of digital to improve services for residents has earned the authority a nomination for the MJ Digital Transformation Award. To reach the Finalists’ shortlist the council demonstrated significant improvements in the delivery of quality services as a consequence of innovation and digital transformation.
“This nomination is great news for Stockport Council and for the residents,” says Councillor Kate Butler, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement at Stockport Council. “Our new websites and My Account are giving residents personalised access to council services whenever and wherever it suits them. Visits to our website are up 32% and more people are using mobile devices to browse our website than ever before.
“There have been over 50,000 sign-ups to My Account and online reporting and tracking of faults and booking of registrars’ appointments is increasing each year. By automating the council tax forms that residents use to tell us about a change of address or request a payment arrangement to be set up, we have taken weeks off the processing time, greatly improved the customer experience and stopped families falling deeper into debt.”
The nomination also recognises that the council provides support for those who do not have access to digital technology or do not have digital skills. The DigiKnow movement, initiated by the council, delivers digital support and skills training to residents in their local community through established and trusted community groups and organisations.
In addition, all libraries in Stockport have free computers and Wi-Fi for residents to use and staff trained to help residents get started. Stockport Council is also one of the Pioneer partners in the Duke of York’s Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA) scheme offering free digital skills training for all ages.
View our website at: www.stockport.gov.uk
Sign-up to My Account at myaccount.stockport.gov.uk