Residents across Cardiff can now access council services from the comfort of their favourite armchair.
As part of an All-Wales initiative, the Council recently launched a new ‘Looking Local’ service which allows people to tune in to Council services via their digital TVs. All 22 local authorities in Wales now provide the service as part of a trial funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The interactive service, which is currently available on SKY, Virgin and broadband-enabled Freeview, enables residents to report uncollected rubbish, faulty street lights or request bulky items to be collected all at the touch of a button.
Using a digital TV remote control, members of the public can also update council tax and benefit details via the system as well as order more recycling bags or find out the latest travel and transport information.
The service is available to everyone who has access to a digital TV and complements the existing means of accessing Cardiff Council services as well as providing a new way of engaging with the Council for people who don’t have access to a computer or who have difficulty leaving their homes.
Mrs Mona Corrigan of Ely is already a fan of the service. She said: “I think it’s a very good idea. You can use it when it’s convenient and it’s very easy to use.”
Accessing the Looking Local service is simple, press the interactive button on your remote control for the services pages and follow instructions to find the Cardiff pages. You can also access via the website www.lookinglocal.gov.uk and on Wii machines and web-enabled mobile phones.
Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman said: “The TV is a relatively new way for people to communicate and we’re delighted to be able to offer this service to residents. It’s so easy to use. We are constantly looking at ways to improve the services we provide to the people of Cardiff, the ways in which we communicate with them and vice versa.
“The service puts Council information and access to services right in the heart of the home.
This week (July 26 – 30) is Looking Local Week in Wales so I would urge all of our residents to tune in and give the service a try.”
