A new digital service that enables people to access public services anytime, anyplace, anywhere is celebrating a million hits in Wales – less than six months after going live in all 22 Welsh councils.
Looking Local – launched in the county borough earlier this year – is the digital portal that allows people to contact Blaenau Gwent Council and access public services through their digital televisions, mobile and smart phones and games consoles – including the Nintendo Wii.
Users can report issues such as potholes, fly tipping or missed bin collections, request services such as bulky goods collections, find local news, advice and information, or even place a bid for social housing from the comfort of their own home.
It also features up-to-date travel news and information from Transport Direct and the latest job opportunities from Job Centre Plus.
The service is seen as a key way of reaching people who do not have access to a computer or the internet at home but still want the flexibility to contact their local council or access public information at a time and place that is convenient for them.
Recent Looking Local research has shown that older people in particular are keen to use their televisions to access information and contact their local public service providers.
Looking Local is also tapping into the growing popularity of smart phones which allow people to user the internet and has recently launched a version that is compatible with the iPhone – giving users even more opportunities to use the service on the move.
Councillor Den Hughes, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Governance said:
“To reach this significant milestone in such a short space of time is a remarkable achievement for the Looking Local service in Wales.
“This is a new and developing platform with enormous potential, and to have a million hits already demonstrates the growing demand from people in Wales to embrace new technology and access public services at a time and place that suits them.”
The service started in the Heads of the Valleys region last year, but has quickly expanded across all of Wales thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Last month hundreds of people entered an exclusive Looking Local Wales competition to win tickets to the Ryder Cup. As a tiebreaker question, entrants were asked for their views on the service, generating some really positive feedback with comments including….
“It’s easy to use and easy to find information about your local community and what’s going on. Straightforward and simples.” – Richard, Torfaen.
“Booking in collections at the touch of a button is a real time saver when you are busy or need to contact your council outside of office hours.” Emma, Blaenau Gwent.
It’s well laid out and everything is very easy to find. Very user friendly.” Jean, Caerphilly.
“It’s iPhone friendly. That does it for me everytime.” Andrew, Carmarthen.
Looking Local is available on Sky TV, Virgin, Freeview boxes (broadband and modem boxes), Wii and mobile phones.
To access the service on Sky TV press Interactive > Direct Gov > Welcome > Local Services > Wales
Virgin users should press Interactive > News & Info > Looking Local > Wales
If you have an internet enabled phone or are using your PC or Wii visit www.lookinglocal.gov.uk/lookinglocal or text your postcode to 07786 203957.
