Council planning to spend £1.5m on contact point

The proposals would see the amalgamation of a number of customer service points in the town centre in the Civic III premises in Market Street.

The centre would have a new entrance opposite the bus station, it would be open plan with a “more relaxed and welcoming environment” and a greater variety of services on offer. There would also be public access computers so people can access services online.

The move is consistent with a plan agreed earlier this year to create a new customer service centre at the Walsh Building in Dewsbury, where a range of services are being brought together.

It is envisaged that the following services will be located in the new Huddersfield centre: Revenues and benefits, Gateway to Care, schools services such as free school meals and school admissions, planning and building control and strategic housing and payments. NHS Kirklees, the Castle and Minster Credit Union and the Revenues and Customs office may be involved.

“The investment of around £1.5million would be recouped in a maximum of 7.5 years – shorter than the average payback period for investments – as the project would save £200,000 per annum on existing council costs”, said a council spokesman.

The development would begin next year. Facilities in Civic III and at the Kirklees Information Point in Civic I would continue throughout the work, meaning no disruption to services.

Council leader Councillor Mehboob Khan said: “Everyone knows that councils all over the country are facing tough budgetary pressures and this would be a case of investing now to make long-term savings of around £200,000 per year.

“There is a wide range of benefits, not least that the council’s offer to local residents would become even more efficient at a time when we must save around £80million due to cuts in funding. Civic Centre III is a key civic space which has not seen major investment for many years. We are looking to provide a single point, in a single high profile location, where people can conduct their business in a way which suits them better.”