Clarification on Blue Badge changes
Why is the council proposing to change the way that people contact highways and the Blue Badge team so that it is online only?
The internet has changed the way people run their lives significantly. Most people use the web to shop, bank or connect with friends and family online because it’s convenient for them.
Here at Staffordshire County Council, 62% of contact is made online or through email.
As a result, the majority of reports around highways faults and Blue Badge applications already come to us via our website.
We would like more people to use digital services like the website to connect with us because it is more cost-effective for us to deal with an enquiry or application online that it is on the telephone or face to face.
This means that we can make good use of tax payers money and reinvest the money we save in other frontline services.
Does the county council have a statutory duty to provide services via the telephone?
No, there is no statutory duty to provide services via the telephone.
What will happen if I have need to report an emergency highways fault?
Our website will outline what an emergency highways fault is and how to report it.
If you need to report an emergency and it is outside the opening hours for our Customer Contact Centre our automated telephone service will provide you with information about whom to contact or will offer to divert you.
Will I still be able to call Staffordshire County Council?
Yes. Our Customer Contact Centre will still be available to answer phone calls relating to other services between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
However, if the changes are agreed, all enquiries relating to highways and blue badges will be online-only.
