A NEW hub allowing taxpayers to access council services in one place has opened.

People can have their queries about everything from planning to licensing answered at Redbridge Customer Centre, avoiding repeat face-to-face contact with different services.

The council says combining services under one roof will save £540,000 per year.

Customers can get help from trained advisers and contact council services for free using the Internet or phone.

Cllr Jas Athwal, Labour leader of Redbridge Council says: “We are delighted to be opening this modern, bright and welcoming information hub for our customers who can now access important services, information and advice from our trained and dedicated staff in one convenient location.

“Redbridge Customer Centre has been developed with our residents in mind at all times and provides an improved customer experience using a whole range of modern technology that makes it easier to complete transactions quickly and easily.

“Bringing services together in this way is a win-win for our residents.  They get a better experience when they interact with us and a value for money service at a time we must make significant savings because of cuts to government funding.”  

Staff at Redbridge Customer Centre in Lynton House, Ilford, welcomed their first customers on Monday, March 19, after weeks of building work.

Opening hours are from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The centre is closed on bank holidays.