Newcastle’s Labour administration is keeping vital council services within easy reach of residents through five neighbourhood customer service centres across the city.
Centres in Walker, Kenton, Gosforth, Benwell and Byker are providing residents with local access to council services, information, advice and support without requiring them to travel into Newcastle city centre.
Labour believes that maintaining accessible neighbourhood services is particularly important for residents who need face-to-face help with issues such as housing, benefits and other council services.
The five centres bring different forms of help together in convenient community locations, making it easier for residents to speak directly to staff and get the support they need.
They are also an important part of Labour’s commitment to ensure council services remain accessible to everyone.
While increasing numbers of services can be accessed by telephone or online, Labour recognises that not everyone can easily use those options. Older residents, people without reliable internet access and those dealing with more complicated problems can particularly benefit from being able to speak to someone face-to-face.
Keeping services available within neighbourhoods can also save residents the time and cost involved in travelling into the city centre simply to access advice or resolve a problem.
The commitment comes as Newcastle City Council continues to face significant financial pressures and reductions in the resources available for local services.
Despite those pressures, Labour is working to ensure that essential support remains accessible to communities across Newcastle and that residents who need additional help are not left behind as services change.
Council Leader Cllr Nick Forbes said: “Council services have to work for everyone, and that means recognising that not every resident can simply go online when they need help.
“Our neighbourhood centres mean people can get advice and support closer to where they live, whether they need help with housing, benefits or another council service.
“At a time when the council is facing enormous financial pressures, Labour will continue to focus the resources we have on the services residents rely upon and on making sure help remains accessible to the people who need it most.
“Good local services should be there when people need them, and bringing support into our communities is an important part of delivering that commitment.”