Make the most of Argyll and Bute Council’s website
Argyll and Bute Council has a new assistant to give round the clock help to anyone searching its website.
Virtual assistant “Abby” is an improved search function on the website geared up to help people save time and energy – including waiting in phone queues or having to travel to a service point in winter.
As well as useful information for residents, businesses and visitors, the council website offers a range of quick and convenient online services.
People can make secure payments at any time using the online Pay It service including council tax, parking tickets and planning application fees.
The website also has “request it” and “report it” options that allow people to report lighting and road faults; tell the council if they have moved house; make and comment on planning applications; order a new bin; change the name of their house or request a birth certificate copy.
Visitors to the council website can sign up to MyAccount to access personalised web services and information relevant to where they live, such as accessing their council tax and housing benefits information, checking bin collection dates and tracking service requests made on the website.
There is a “Keep In The Loop” service, which keeps people up to date via text or email about disruptions, service changes, events and news that affect them.
The website has details of consultations and surveys and the council has a sister website www.abplace2b.scot promoting all that is great about the area - including wedding locations.
Policy lead for economic growth, communities and customer services Councillor Alastair Redman said: “The council website offers a huge range of useful resources that could help save you time and energy.
“Why wait in a phone queue or travel to a service point in the middle of winter when almost everything you need to contact the council about can be done online? Visit www. argyll-bute.gov.uk.”