Ealing Council ‘Digital Council’ finalist

Ealing Council has been named as a finalist for Digital Council of the Year at the national Digital Leaders 100 Awards, which recognises the council’s continued work in improving online and digital services to residents.
 
According to the authority, more residents than ever are moving away from traditional points of contact and choosing to access online services via its MyAccount portal. The system is a one-stop-shop service and a fast, easy way to manage everything from council tax to eBilling.
 
Unlike making a telephone call or waiting for an appointment, MyAccount is available 24/7. This means that residents can manage their account online, set up a direct debit, or report environmental issues at a convenient time for them.
 
More than 63,000 people, a third of all households in the borough, have registered for MyAccount since it was introduced just over a year ago. By making services more accessible online, the council has also been able to save more than £200,000 in a period where it faces significant financial pressures.

The winner is set to be announced on Thursday 22 June, and local people can support the council by casting their vote online via the Digital Leaders website at www.digileaders100.com. The vote is open until 5 June 2017.
 
Keith Townsend, executive director of environment and customer services said: “We are proud to have been shortlisted for Digital Council of the Year. It’s a great achievement to be nationally recognised for the way we are improving digital services in the borough for the benefit of residents.
 
“We recognised that having a clear digital strategy is vital for making savings across the council whilst maintaining the high level of services that local people expect.
 
“Viewing personal accounts, reporting changes and paying bills online is now normal for residents. As a result we are seeing people moving away from traditional means of contact and towards quicker, easier digital channels.”