Council awarded for '˜pioneering' approach to delivering services

The council won the Gold Award for Remodelling Local Services at the national iESE Awards in Westminster, London.

The award was given for the council’s Future Model programme which has saved more than £1.5 million without cutting frontline services.

The programme means that council customers can now access most services online via the website at www.eastbourne.gov.uk or via a modern new contact centre, with one easy number for all public enquiries. The new system aims to resolve issues quickly without sending customers to different departments, which in turn saves the council money.

The Neighbourhood First team has been part of the changes, providing another way for residents to work with the council on local matters, as well as enabling the council to be much more proactive in dealing with issues on the ground.

Leader of the council, Councillor David Tutt, said, “At a time when we are seeing the most severe cuts in government funding for public services, I am very proud that Eastbourne Borough Council has pioneered an approach to service delivery that is protecting the core council functions that so many local people rely on.

“I am extremely pleased that this gold award recognises that achievement and my gratitude goes to the council team that made it happen.”

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