Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

How Local Services Point staff can help

The aim of the Local Services Points is to make it easier for people to access a range of public services. They act as a “one-stop shop” advice centres for Vale services and issues.

LSP staff can offer help and advice about the different services provided by the District Council including housing, benefits, Council Tax, planning or building control.

They can give information and advice about services provided by the County, Town and Parish Councils.

In addition they can point people in the direction of voluntary or charitable organisations which might be able to offer help or assistance.

People can also make payments for Council Tax, brown bins or parking tickets at the LSPs.

LSP staff aim to resolve 97 per cent of enquiries on the same day. If they cannot resolve your query there and then, they will take responsibility for dealing with it, and will ensure you get a response.

Wantage LSP also hosts a number of regular surgeries including on housing, planning and building control. For details of when the surgeries are held and to book an appointment call 01235 520202.

Both LSPs have achieved The Community Legal Service Quality Mark, which means that the general help which LSP staff provide to the public meets national standards set by the Legal Services Commission. Both LSPs have also gained an accreditation in quality standards and many staff have either gained or are working towards NVQs in customer service.

In 2006/07, the Abingdon LSP dealt with 37,097 face-to-face enquiries, and the Wantage LSP handled 14,763.

Both LSPs have hearing loops, accessible toilets for disabled people, and desks which wheelchair users can easily use. There are also baby changing facilities in the disabled toilets in both LSPs. For more information about how the Council is working to increase access to its services see our Equality and diversity pages.

These are some of the comments customers who have used the LSPs said about the service they received:

• “Really friendly approach – it is much better than usual reception desk – a great idea”
• “Extremely helpful and friendly service. I was seen only after a short wait, and was informed of something I needed to do that I would never have thought of,  saved me so much time and stress”
• “I feel you have a great team of workers here. They are all well trained and have lovely manners. I never feel worried about speaking to anyone.”

Abingdon Local Services Point