11/01/2005
Navigating local government services can sometimes feel like a labyrinth, but understanding how to effectively contact your local council is the first step to getting the assistance or information you need. Rutland County Council offers a variety of channels to ensure residents can reach them, whether for routine queries or urgent matters. This guide will walk you through the various methods of contact, highlighting the benefits of each and providing the essential details you'll require.
Online Services: The Preferred Route
Rutland County Council strongly encourages the use of their online services. This approach not only benefits the council by reducing the strain on telephone lines and saving resources, but it also offers significant advantages to you, the resident. Online services are accessible 24/7, meaning you can submit enquiries, request services, or find information at any time that suits you, irrespective of standard office hours. For certain services, you can even track the progress of your enquiry, offering transparency and peace of mind. This digital-first approach is designed to be efficient and convenient for everyone.
The primary online portal is the Rutland County Council website. Here, you can find a wealth of information and access various services. Whether you use the intuitive site menu, the efficient search bar, or the comprehensive A to Z guide, locating the specific service or department you need is straightforward. The website is structured to provide easy access to everything from planning applications to social care information.
MyAccount: Your Personalised Hub
For a more personalised experience, residents can utilise 'MyAccount'. This secure online portal allows you to request services, report issues such as missed bin collections or street cleaning needs, and view important personal information. A key feature of MyAccount is the ability to track the progress of any queries you submit, giving you a clear overview of how your request is being handled. It’s a central hub for managing your interactions with the council.
FixMyStreet: Reporting Local Issues
For issues directly related to the local environment, such as reporting potholes, requesting street cleaning, or highlighting problems with street lighting, the FixMyStreet platform is an excellent tool. This service is specifically designed for reporting these types of issues quickly and easily, often allowing you to upload photos and pinpoint the exact location.
Online Contact Form
If you prefer a direct but still digital approach, an online contact form is available on the council's website. This form allows you to submit your enquiry directly to the relevant department, ensuring your message is captured efficiently.
Contacting by Telephone
While online services are encouraged, the council understands that telephone contact is still a vital option for many. You can reach the customer services team on 01572 722 577. It's important to note that you may not always be connected directly to the specific expert who can resolve your enquiry immediately. In such cases, the customer services team will act as an intermediary, taking down your details and arranging a call back or an appointment on your behalf. To facilitate updates on your enquiry's progress, it's advisable to provide an email address when you call.
Customer Services Opening Hours
The customer services team operates during specific hours. Please be aware of the following schedule:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9am to 12.30pm | 2pm to 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am to 12.30pm | 2pm to 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am to 12.30pm | 2pm to 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am to 12.30pm | 2pm to 5pm |
| Friday | 9am to 12.30pm | 2pm to 4.30pm |
Important Note: Every Wednesday, the Customer Services Team participates in team training from 9am to 10am. Please plan your calls accordingly.
Visiting in Person or Writing
For those who prefer face-to-face interaction or need to send correspondence, Rutland County Council's main offices are located at:
Rutland County Council
Catmose House
Catmos Street
Oakham
Rutland
LE15 6HP
You can find the council's location on Google Maps for directions. When writing to the council, remember to include your email address if you wish to receive updates on the progress of your enquiry. The reception area at the main offices also serves as a customer self-service point. Here, you can use a telephone to contact various services directly or use a computer to access the council's website. This provides an alternative if you are unable to use your own devices or internet connection.
Customer Self-Service Opening Times
The customer self-service area adheres to the following opening times:
- Monday: 9am to 4.45pm
- Tuesday: 9am to 4.45pm
- Wednesday: 9am to 4.45pm
- Thursday: 9am to 4.45pm
- Friday: 9am to 4.15pm
Out of Hours Emergencies
For urgent situations that arise outside of standard office hours, specific emergency contact numbers are available:
- General Emergencies: Call the 24-hour Harborough Lifeline on 01858 464 499.
- Children's Social Care Emergencies: For urgent concerns regarding children outside of office hours, at weekends, or on bank holidays, call 0116 305 0005. Further advice can be found on the Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
- Adult Social Care Emergencies: For urgent adult social care matters outside of office hours, at weekends, or on bank holidays, call 01572 758 341 or email [email protected]. Information is also available on the Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Adults Board website.
Media Enquiries
If you are a member of the media and wish to discuss any aspect of Rutland County Council's work, please contact the communications team. You can reach them via email at [email protected] or by calling 07973 855 469.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best ways to contact Rutland County Council?
- The council encourages online services via their website, MyAccount, or FixMyStreet for efficiency. However, you can also call customer services on 01572 722 577 during opening hours, or visit in person at Catmose House.
- When is customer services open?
- Customer services are open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5pm, and on Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm. Please note the training closure on Wednesday mornings.
- What should I do in case of an emergency outside of office hours?
- For general emergencies, call Harborough Lifeline on 01858 464 499. Specific numbers are available for urgent children's and adult social care issues.
- Can I track my enquiry online?
- Yes, if you use the MyAccount portal or submit an enquiry through the online contact form and provide an email address, you may be able to track the progress of your request.
- Where is Rutland County Council located?
- The main offices are at Rutland County Council, Catmose House, Catmos Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HP.
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