Cabinet on Monday 16 September made the decision to open a customer services reception at Marmion House.
This new service will provide face-to-face customer services which meet the needs of the whole community, Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 10.00am and 2.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday 2.00pm - 6.00pm.
There is no change to the face-to-face service at the Assembly Rooms, services available over the phone, online or through apps such as MyHousing and MyTamworth.
To explain this decision, Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, leisure and engagement, said: “Residents have consistently been telling councillors and the council for a number of years that they want a face-to-face customer service desk in Marmion House, additional to the service at the Assembly Rooms. As a new political administration, we simply could not continue to ignore the voice of residents on this matter.”
In the same meeting, cabinet also approved to move committee meetings from the Town Hall to Marmion House. This move increases accessibility for councillors and enhances operational efficiency as staffing is only necessary at one venue.
Refurbishment work and updating technology is necessary before the new reception can open. It is expected to cost around £150,000 in the first year to carry out the refurbishment and staff service, with ongoing costs of less than £60,000 every year after. It is anticipated the new service will open early 2025.
Council meetings are broadcast on YouTube, but the existing broadcasting technology no longer meets its intended purpose and offers an unsatisfactory experience for remote viewers. Therefore, it is also necessary to upgrade the out-dated audio visual equipment used for council meetings. It is anticipated meetings will take place at Marmion House from the new year.
Councillor Lewis Smith went on to say: “Work now starts to implement these plans over the next few months, with the hope of opening the new service to residents early 2025. Alongside supporting the residents of Tamworth, the front desk opening will allow a number of council services to use this space and continue their work with community groups and the voluntary sector.”
Notes to editors:
There are a number of ways you can contact Tamworth Borough Council – online, via web chat, over the phone or in person.
- Online form - by completing the Contact Us e-form https://mytamworth.tamworth.gov.uk/do-it-online/contact-us/contact-us/ via the MyTamworth customer portal. (This can be accessed 24/7).
- Webchat - online using the 'Click to Chat' button located on most webpages.
- MyStaffs - there is a Staffordshire County Council app called MyStaffs where you can check or report a number of issues from your phone. Find out more here: http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/MyStaffs-App/MyStaffs-App.aspx.
- Comments, compliments or complaints: https://www.tamworth.gov.uk/comments-compliments-complaints.
- Visit us – a face-to-face support and sign posting for several council services at Tamworth Information Centre, Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Corporation Street, B79 7DN – available Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm
- Talk to us – call 01827 709709 for general enquiries and other services. Customer services team are available Monday to Thursday 8.45am - 5.10pm and Friday 8.45am - 5.05pm. Phone lines are closed on national bank holidays.
- Post it – to contact by post please send to Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth, B79 7BZ.