A newly-launched strategy will make it easier for Sheffield residents to get in touch with the council about issues and concerns. 

The digital scheme aims to help to alleviate the pressure on the council’s telephone services with improved and simplified ways to access the authority online. 

Coun Mike Weston said people had struggled with the website previously: “Most of the journeys online are not easy to follow to the point they abandon the web and pick up the phone.

“This will allow face to face or phone contact to the council to become focused on those people that need it most.”

Lynn Hill, from Sheffield, said: “I can be on the phone for over 40 minutes as the queues are that long.”

The decision, made during a council meeting on Wednesday, is to be delivered under  the council’s four-year Future Sheffield programme, aiming to revamp public access and interaction with council services.

Lois Elizabeth, from Sheffield, said: “(The online services) are advertised ‘easy accessible’ with all the details there but after the first contact you get ignored or they lose your information.

“It’s only once you have an MP on their back that they reply then.”

The four year plan details the council’s aims to improve various areas such as housing availability, neighbourhood safety and addressing inequalities amongst young people. 

The new strategy will allow residents to have faster response times and fewer transfers between services when interacting with the council.

The outlining of the digital strategy has been underway since last August but it has now been officially approved.

There have been concerns over the issue of digital exclusion in light of the strategy’s proposal.

Many people do not have access to an internet connection or a device.

A report carried out by Deloitte showed that one in five older adults are experiencing severe digital poverty.

Claire Taylor, Sheffield Council’s chief operating officer, said: “It certainly isn’t proposing a digital by default, it is understanding that the digital is a really important part of enabling what we do.”