The next stage in the development of the new multi-agency advice and information centre at St Albans City and District Council has been given the green light.
Cabinet last night agreed a business case for the centre’s future development after hearing that the service is being well received by residents.
The centre was set up eight months ago to provide residents with access to a range of information services all in one place. Advice, information and guidance are provided by Oaklands College, the Citizens Advice Bureau, St Albans District Credit Union, the District Council and CVS’s Volunteer Centre.
Cabinet agreed to provide extra space at the Council’s offices if required by some of the partners in the scheme.
Research shows that three out of four (76%) customers said that accessing information at the centre is an ‘easier’ option than visiting the partner organisations separately. In addition, 77% rated the service as excellent and 23% good.
One in five of the transactions conducted at the centre have involved referrals from one partner organisation to another.
Councillor Julian Daly, Executive Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources for St Albans City and District Council, said: “The cross-referral rate and high levels of customer satisfaction show that residents value these organisations being together in one place. Other services recognise the success of the advice centre. Earlier this month the local Credit Union joined the scheme.
“Cabinet is keen to see how this advice model can be developed. We are talking to our partners about benefits and savings that will come from relocating to the centre.”
A copy of the business case is available on the Council’s website along with
agenda for the Cabinet meeting held on 19 July 2012.
You can also watch a
webcast of the meeting on the Council's website.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Julian Daly, Executive Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources for St Albans City and District Council
Mob: 07775 657200
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson,
Media and Internal Communications Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
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