The council is continuing to help residents and businesses do more online at their own convenience.
Having services including council tax, housing rents, repairs and benefits and business rates available online means that customers can manage their transactions with the council 24/7, via a single portal, My Account.
My Account is the council’s customer portal which is available via the council’s website. It is part of a two-year digital improvement programme that is making it easier and quicker to transact with the council.
Speaking before the November lockdown started, Ravina Naher, owner of Beauty Angels salon in Tentelow Lane, Southall, said: “I’m the owner of a small independent business and when COVID happened back in March, I was really unsure of what would happen, who I could turn to for help, and where to find the latest updates on guidance.
“Thankfully, I started to get emails from the council full of information, advice and details of support that was out there to help businesses like mine. Receiving these emails and having the option to become a digital customer via My Account, helped me set up direct debits and manage my business rates transactions myself.
“Being able to go online when it suits me, saves me time and reduces the number of calls and visits I would normally have had to make into council offices. Registering for My Account was really easy, all I needed to access my business rates account was my unique reference number which was on my last business rates statement. Now it’s done, I have more control and oversight over what’s happening.
‘I would encourage other businesses to sign up’
“I have been fortunate enough to receive help from the council to keep my business going. I’ve used the time when I couldn’t have customers in the salon to renovate and make sure the new layout is inviting while still adhering to government guidelines. I want to give my clients that little haven away from the stresses and worries of everyday life, while keeping them and my team safe while we continue to deliver beauty and relaxation treatments.
“I would encourage other businesses to sign up to My Account and the council’s business newsletter to help manage their transactions and ensure they don’t miss out on any of the small business support that’s available to them.”
For now, council tax, business rates and housing benefits, rents and repairs are all available via a single sign in on My Account.
Once the My Account project is finished, residents will be able to manage a range of council services in one place online and track the progress of their transactions anytime and from anywhere.
For help with registration, visit the council’s website or contact the My Account support team by calling 020 8825 7733 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
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