Late Night Opening

Copyright NNDC

North Norfolk District Council's trial 'late night opening' initiative, which was introduced to help members of the public who find it difficult to get to the Council's Cromer offices during working hours, is to be extended by six months.

The scheme for late night opening of the benefits and council tax enquiry desk on one evening a month was launched in June. Several people have taken advantage of the initiative, which has steadily grown in popularity, but it is felt that it should be run over a longer period to get a true and clear indication of demand.

Suggested by members of staff as a way of improving service to the public, 'late night opening' at the Council's offices in Holt Road, Cromer, will continue to operate on the second Wednesday of each month. Staff will be on hand until 6.30pm to help with enquiries regarding housing and council tax benefits, council tax, business rates, and debt recovery, except for council housing arrears. In addition, North Norfolk residents will be able to make their evening enquiries by telephone on (01263) 516230 or 516071 or 516073.

The dates of the 'late opening' scheme for the next six months are as follows: 11 December, 8 January, 12 February, 12 March, 9 April and 14 May.

"All of us who work in, or are involved with, the Benefits and Council Tax reception are aware that many people find it a bit of a struggle to get to the offices in working hours, so we felt we could make life a little easier for them by extending our hours of operation," said Maureen Wells, Business Support Officer in the Council's Revenues section. "Despite all the publicity that launched the scheme, few people came to start with, but demand has increased as the months have gone by. We still feel, however, that the word has yet to get round everywhere and that we need to run the trial for a longer period to get a true picture of how useful the extended service really is."