Winchester City Council is set to digitally overhaul local services after signing the Local Digital Declaration.

This marks a commitment to make service delivery more efficient and easier for residents to access digitally.

Cllr Cutler, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and performance said: "We recognise that digital isn’t always right for everyone, but more and more of us find it a convenient and easy way to get things done.

"We want to ensure that online services help and are not a barrier for people when reaching their council. We also want to ensure that we are working in the most efficient way possible.

"By improving online services, it will mean people can do their council business at a time which suits them, and freeing up other ways to contact us for those who do not have access to online services. We already hold this commitment, but signing of this declaration underpins this."

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The declaration is a nationwide commitment by public bodies to modernise public services for the internet age, aiming to deliver more customer-focused local services that are cost-effective. As part of this digital transformation, the council is launching a programme known as TC25, designed to improve online services for residents.

The changes mean that residents will be able to conduct council-related matters at a time that suits them. The programme harnesses the best use of technology to create highly efficient services. In addition to TC25, the council will initiate a project aimed at enhancing efficiency in council operations.

The project focuses on teams frequently away from their desks, making the best use of technology to ensure quick and efficient responses to customer requests.

The council has also announced a series of free monthly digital drop-in sessions to assist residents in navigating the new digital services. During these sessions, digital champions will be on hand to provide one-to-one expert support.

It is hoped this will help residents with tech-related issues, from setting up new devices to staying safe online and familiarising themselves with new websites.