Neath Port Talbot Council has today announced proposals for a major modernisation of its citizen-facing services at the Civic Centre in Port Talbot including waiting areas, access to IT terminals and upgraded interview rooms.
This is designed to provide a full range of services along similar lines to those already existing at Neath and Pontardawe.
The Council will be investing some £150,000 in a redesign of its reception area and adjoining facilities in Port Talbot. Building upon existing services such as Council Tax and Housing Benefits, the redesign will also include services such as Blue Badges, Streetcare requests, Tip Permits, Passenger Transport enquiries, and Leisure passes. In addition, more public information will be available on a wide range of Council services.
The Council is also proposing to work in partnership with South Wales Police to provide a base for the local neighbourhood policing team in the new One-Stop-Shop which will increase the visibility of the policing presence in the Town Centre.
Council Leader, Cllr Ali Thomas said: ‘This modernisation of our facilities in Port Talbot and the introduction of a comprehensive range of services through our new One-Stop-Shop is an important demonstration of the Council’s commitment to serve the public. We believe that it is particularly important to improve citizen access to public services in what will be a very challenging period for the less well off in our society who rely on these services to a significant extent.”
Chief Executive Steven Phillips added: ‘Through its systems thinking reviews, the Council has invested a great deal of time and effort in analysing how, where and when we can provide top class public services. We are improving our web, television and telephone based services, but also recognises that citizens continue to value face-to-face contact. This investment will enable the Council to improve the quality and range of our services in Port Talbot and implement the outcome of three reviews’.
Superintendent Joe Ruddy, operational commander for Neath Port Talbot Police, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we are part of this exciting new One Stop Shop development which will give my officers more time to understand and respond to the needs of their local community.
“Neighbourhood Policing is about being accessible and visible to the public, working together with our partners to tackle locally agreed priorities.
“A huge amount of problem-solving work is already going on across Neath Port Talbot and I am sure this new facility will allow local officers to further engage with our partners and the communities we all serve.”
