Would you WhatsApp message your local council?

Residents in Lichfield can now expect a reply from the council within two hours if they message via WhatsApp.

How would you feel about asking your local council for help by using WhatsApp?

Lichfield District Council says it has trialled a scheme for residents to contact its customer service team using the popular messaging software and is now rolling it out more widely to assist people with a range of council-related inquiries.

The trial, which ran in July, initially involved queries about waste and recycling services.

Now, residents can contact the authority about issues such as missed bin collections, noise complaints, or advice on how to claim housing benefits and council tax support.

The council is among the first in the country to offer its services via instant messenger.

Leader Doug Pullen said: “I want any resident in Lichfield district to be able to contact us easily, at a time to suit them – and I know just how convenient WhatsApp is for many of us.”

The goal was to provide a response within two hours to messages sent before 16:00, the authority said.

It means residents may not have to visit the council offices in person, wait on a phone line or formally write to the local authority to get issues resolved.

More details about the scheme can be found on the council’s website.