Weekly News 341
Council and district news
New Customer Telephone System
On Wednesday, February 7th, the Council launched a new Customer telephone system.
Customers dialling 01902 696000 to speak to us about any of our services are still being connected to an appropriate advisor who will assist them with their query, but with some new and improved features which have been designed into the new system having taken account of customer feedback and service use data. These include:
- Improved options menu
- A shorter welcome message
- Notification of queue position whilst waiting
- Details of partner organisations for queries we are unable to assist with
- In queue messages to help with common queries
- An optional post-call feedback survey so you can let us know how we did
If you have any feedback about our new telephone system, please stay on the line after your call to complete a survey, or email us at info@sstaffs.gov.uk
E-Billing – New Platform
Sign up before February 23rd!
Thank you for signing up to our E-Billing service for your council tax bill.
You are one of our 4000 customers who is supporting South Staffordshire Council to make a difference to our carbon footprint.
However, Your “My Account” will be closing shortly.
NEW for 2024 – We have invested in our technology and upgraded our platform; we have now launched your “My Login” account. As well as viewing your bill you can also now make changes to your account on-line, 24 hours a day, at a time to suit you.
You are just 7 quick steps away from accessing your NEW online account from the comfort of your own home.
- To register for a My Login account, go to www.sstaffs.gov.uk/MyLogin. Once you have registered, you will also need to complete a verification process and link your account to allow us to keep your account safe and secure. We will only require you to do this once on your first login. To help you through this process we have provided an online user guide, https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/my-login-user-guide, to help you to register for this service
- Once you have logged in to My Login, click on ‘View my council tax, business rates and benefits‘
- Click on ‘Subscribe to a service’ at the bottom of the page.
- Select the service you wish to subscribe to from the drop-down list (council tax, housing benefit, landlord, business rates)
- Input your council tax account reference number. (This can be found on your previous bills)
- You will be presented with a few questions to help us verify who you are. These questions are random, you may be asked for your banking details, the amount of your last payment and your contact details for example.
- Click ‘View’ and you will now be able to see your account, from here you can, reset your E Billing preference, set up direct debits, register for single person discounts and view your bill by clicking on the correspondence section.
Once you have followed these steps your account will now be linked and available for you to view every time you log in to your My Login.
Hidden gems and little-known history: Discover South Staffs
South Staffordshire is bursting with character and heritage – with an extensive history and a wide range of exciting landmarks and locations to visit, whatever the weather.
Many of its attractions are well known, such as Kinver Edge or Penkridge Market. But there’s also a plethora of hidden gems and little-known history to discover.
- Did you know Penkridge is said to have once been the nation’s capital?
- Or that Great Wyrley once hosted a battle between the Roundheads and the Loyalists during the civil war in the 1600s?
- How about Himley’s historic link with Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot?
As for days out destinations, the district is home to a number of animal attractions, intriguing historic sites, and must-visit locations for all the family.
Find out more with our brand-new series of features here: Hidden gems and little-known history: Discover South Staffordshire (sstaffs.gov.uk)
Vacancies
- Water Assistant (part-time, 4.5 hrs p/w), Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, closing Tuesday 9 February
- Street Scene Operative x 2, 6 month Fixed Term Contracts closes February 16th
All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/vacancies
Leisure latest
South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres provide everything you need to get your health and fitness on track through offering a wide variety of facilities.
- Newly upgraded gyms
- Exercise and well-being classes
- Studio cycling
- Swimming
- Toning
Click here to find out more.
The leisure centres offer a variety of membership packages to suit everyone’s needs and budgets.
Member benefits
- 14 days advanced booking giving you priority access.
- Complimentary health checks and personal fitness programmes available.
- No joining fees or long-term contracts.
- Flexible membership allowing you to switch packages at any time.
- Manage your bookings online with our members-only portal.
- Use four leisure centres at no extra cost.
Click here to view our membership packages.
To join, simply pop into your nearest leisure centre or join online here.
Funded training
| Thinking of starting a career in the Leisure Industry but don’t have the necessary qualifications?
Funded, local training is now available for courses including Lifeguarding, Swim instructing and water assistants. Meet Jack Riley-Craig. Jack is 18 years old and completed his Lifeguarding and Swim instructor courses with South Staffordshire Council in 2023 and is now enjoying a rewarding job at Codsall Leisure Centre. Here’s what Jack said about the training and his new job at Codsall Leisure Centre: “The program has helped me gain confidence and qualifications to make my first step into teaching, they are also going to support me to start my advance swim teaching qualifications in August”. Don’t delay, sign up today to access funded training just like Jack and kick start your career. To find out about courses on offer near you, visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/training-and-courses For more information regarding eligibility for funding, please ring 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk |
Leisure centre activities for children and young people
| South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres provide a range of activities and schemes for young people which are available all year round.
The leisure centres run ‘Active Youth’ sessions. These are supervised gym sessions for young people aged 13 years+. The leisure centres are also offering students and apprentices discounted memberships packages. For full details on all the activities, visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/school-holiday-activities |
Partnership updates
| Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to hospitalisation and serious health complications in unvaccinated individuals; particularly infants, pregnant women and those living with immunosuppression.
All children are invited for their first MMR vaccine when they turn one. The second dose is given when they reach three years and four months of age. Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against measles. |
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Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), the NHS App, or contact their GP practice. Adults and older children can also be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before and are being encouraged to come forward if they haven’t had two doses. |