Benefits claimants and other council customers will be able to speak to staff via their computers thanks to a new service.

Sutton Council has launched a new web chat service that will let customers talk to advisers over the internet in real-time.

 

Web chat is now available for the most used council web pages - parking, waste management and housing advice - from Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm and for council tax from Monday to Friday between 10am and midday and 3pm to 5pm.

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How the new service looks

Councillor Colin Hall, deputy leader of the council, said: "Web chat is a new and exciting development that allows our customers to interact online in real time with the customer service team. Getting better access to the people who are best able to answer their needs, discuss their queries or just help provide understanding of a certain issue.

"We are very excited that we have been able to introduce another way for our citizens to seek help. Today more than ever before we need information to be accessible to people of all ages and we actively want to reach all parts of our community."

To access the service, click here to visit mthe council's contact page and click the 'live chat' icon.