District Council launches range of digital tools to support residents

Posted on: Tuesday, May 17, 2022

The pandemic has changed the way we live our lives with more people working from home and more people communicating via digital channels often at unsociable hours.  This week, the District Council has launched new digital tools that will improve the way residents can communicate and interact with them.

The first of these new tools is MyNS, an online platform that allows residents to find out useful information in Newark and Sherwood which is tailored just for them.

For now, residents will be able to see what day bin collections are, find out information about their specific Councillor, including how to contact them directly, and keep track of the status of a range of service requests, including missed bin collections, reported fly tips and street cleansing requests (including dog fouling).  This is only the start and the District Council will be bringing lots more self-service additions to help residents find the information they need to live a better hassle free life in the district. 

To create an account, go to the MyNS webpage here: https://myns.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/

When you enter your details, including your postcode, your account will tailor specific information that affects you and you only.

Another of their new digital channels is a new Webchat feature which can deal with customer queries online.  Instead of calling customer services, residents can now get the answers they want by simply going on the Newark and Sherwood District Council website and clicking on the ‘Chat now’ option in the top right of the page.  It will link them with the same team of people quickly and easily.

This extra convenient channel means residents can use the feature with minimal disruption to their day, they can continue with typing out a message not needing to pick up the phone all while they can continue to multi-task.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: ‘We want to make it easier for our residents to get the information they need in a quicker and more convenient way.

‘The digital services we’re now offering gives our residents more choice on how they contact us. Those who might have busy days with no time to pick up the phone can now contact us all without needing to call.

‘We’re always looking for ways we can improve our service digitally to keep up with modern day technology and hope to introduce more digital platforms in the coming years.’

Other digital platforms introduced by the District Council include their e-newsletter update service and their MyAccount webpage for tenants.

‘News to Me’ is a monthly e-update that goes directly to a nominated email address once a month.  It keeps residents up-to-date with everything happening in their local area that affects them including the latest Council Tax information, grant schemes available, exciting local events and more. To sign up, go to: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKNSDC/subscriber/new 

MyAccount is for District Council tenants and allows them to view the latest properties that become available or apply to join the housing register.  When in a Council property, it allows them to make payments or keep in touch easily with the District Council. To register, tenants can go to the District Council website or go to: https://myhou.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/openaccess/ibsxmlpr.p?docid=home

With a no customer left behind mentality to our digital offer, don't forget we'll be holding free IT beginner classes on Thursday 19 May at Chatham Court. Want to take part? Email Getinvovled@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk