One Stop Shops
Barking and Dagenham
In 2003, a review was carried out on the way we provided customer services. The results highlighted a need for us to set up a Contact Centre and One Stop Shops. We have listened and acted on those recommendations (the Contact Centre was set up in October 2004) and feel confident this new joined-up way of working will make it easier and quicker for you to contact us.
We want to make Council services as easy to access as possible, and are proud to be opening 2 buildings that will demonstrate how customer focused we are. We will also provide a range of partnership services that you would like to access.
This web page provides up-to-date information regarding the development of our One Stop Shops and answers some of the questions you may have.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Barking Learning Centre?
The Barking Learning Centre includes a One Stop Shop, a state of the art library, classrooms for Barking College, the University of East London and the Adult College.
There will be rooms available for training purposes and a lecture theatre and conference facilities.
|
Click image for larger version.
What services will be available from a One Stop Shop?
Most of our services will be available, though the type of service we offer will vary for each service area you may want to access.
At the moment we can confirm that the service areas available will include:
- Refuse and recycling
- School admissions
- Street Wardens
- Housing Services
- Environmental Services
- Graffiti and fly tip reporting
- Information about services for Children
- Antisocial behaviour reporting
- Highway Services
- Disabled badges and Freedom Passes
- Benefits Advice - Housing and Council Tax
- Bulky Item and Green Garden Waste Collection
- Cashier enquiries
- Parking services
What is a One Stop Shop?
A place where you can get help, advice and information on a range of services all under one roof. It will be well designed, accessible to all and have experienced staff on-hand to help you.
What is the benefit to you of a One Stop Shop?
They are being opened to make it easier for you to access council services. You will be able to access a range of services in one place instead of traveling to multiple reception points throughout the borough. Enquiries will be dealt with quickly and efficiently by professional officers in modern, comfortable surroundings.
For example at the moment you would have to travel to different locations to get a bus pass, housing benefit and a free school meals application form - the new One Stop Shops will mean you can do all this in 1 place.
What type of service will staff at the One Stop Shop be able to deliver?
Staff will be able to provide basic information including directions, telephone numbers or make referrals to the relevant service provider.
The One Stop Shops will also include self-service computers to access information on our website. Examples could include non-council enquiries, homelessness enquiries and enquiries for the Community Legal Services Partnership.
Service request
Staff at the One Stop Shops will be able to help you complete all documentation for a service provided, without the service actually being provided by the One Stop Shop. An example of this could be a housing benefit application or enrolment on a college course.
Under this level, self-service computers and telephones to Barking and Dagenham Direct will allow you to complete their requests. Examples of this would include abandoned vehicles, pest control and bulky collections.
Service processing
Staff will provide an end-to-end process for you. You will be provided with the service requested at the time you request it following the corporate strategy of Done in One.
A cashier's facility will be included to allow payment for services in the same place. Examples of this level of service will include Freedom Pass requests and Community Hall bookings. We will also be looking at self service options to make it quicker for you to make payments.
When did the One Stop Shop open?
The One Stop Shop in Barking opened in June 2007.
Who is behind the One Stop Shops?
We are working in partnership with key stakeholders to offer you outstanding customer services.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Tony Farrell at the address shown.
One Stop Shop presentation 
PDF 278K
To view PDF files requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Who is in charge of the One Stop Shops?
One Stop Shops form a part of the Customer First division within the Customer Services Department.
