Council appointment centre relocates to new venue

The appointment centre is now in an "easier" location for residents to reach

A city council's face-to-face appointment centre has opened in a new venue.

Gloucester City Council's The Gateway on Westgate Street, opposite Shire Hall, enabled residents to speak to staff if their query could not be solved via phone or email.

As of Monday, the appointment centre is now located on the first floor of Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gloucester city centre.

Appointments are still required, and the council says the move will free up £80,000 a year to spend elsewhere.

Gloucester City Council brought in the appointment system to reduce waiting times.

Following the pandemic, the need for a large appointment area has fallen, as demand for face-to-face appointments has "dropped sharply".

The council said the majority of residents who contact them have said they prefer to do so over the phone, online or by email.

Since May 2023, just 81 out of a possible 600 face-to-face appointments have been booked, with only 68 of these attended.

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Cabinet member responsible for community engagement, said: “This move will help the council save money that can be better spent elsewhere and make it easier for our residents to get to their appointments.

"We know our customers prefer to contact us over the phone or by email, but face-to-face appointments are always available at this new facility if they’re needed.”