HARLOW Council has gone on the record to set the record straight over the possible closure of the cash office at the civic offices.

Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Jon Clempner, said: “While continuing cuts in funding to local Councils from Central Government mean we have to constantly look at ways of saving money, the review of how residents and businesses interact with Harlow Council was as much about meeting the needs of our residents, and bringing the Council into the digital age, as it was about saving money.

“Many people want and expect to be able to pay their council tax bill, rent, or request a service in the same way they do with their bank, or for many do their shopping – over the internet – at a time and place that is convenient for them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This will also free up resources to give more personal service for those who cannot, or don’t want to, use digital services or have circumstances that are best dealt with face to face.

“As was made clear at Cabinet, the outline plans for closing the cash office, Which were part of a wider review of customer services, will not take place for 2 years, and not before full consultation has been done, alternative facilities to pay cash have been put in place, like many do for their other bills at places like the Post Office which are open longer hours, and an Equalities Impact Assessment has been done. This will make sure that no one is disadvantaged by any proposed changes, and will include provision for residents with disabilities.”