Council wants to be 'user-friendly'

Council buildings will be open for longer

Leeds residents should soon find it easier to contact the city council.

A report to senior councillors says that many of the 10 million phone calls it receives each year are not routed straight to the right department.

In addition, many buildings are in poor condition, badly signed and the services they offer are not always clear.

Councillors are likely to agree to spending an extra £500,000 on making the council more "user-friendly".

Internet connection

A five year plan will see new computer systems that can track phone inquiries so callers do not have to repeat the same information every time they contact the council.

There will also be more staff training, greater use of the internet and the setting up of an easy to remember "golden number" which can be used by anyone who wants to ring the council.

Libraries will have a key role with free internet connection to the council's online services.

Most council buildings will be open in the evening and at weekends.

Councillor Lee Benson said: "Many of the services the council provides are of high quality.

"But this doesn't count for much if it is difficult for people to get through to the department they need on the phone or if simple inquiries take days to answer."