William Eichler 25 April 2019

Survey reveals lack of confidence in council communication

Communications experts have called on local authorities to embrace the advantages of digital communications with residents.

A survey of 2,000 consumers commissioned by Opus Trust Communications found that only 3% of respondents felt councils were best at communicating.

Around 36% of consumers reported that they would be happy to access their council tax bills via email, 9% through an online portal, 2% from an app and 2% from SMS.

However, the findings from the Hidden Opportunity Market Report reveal that the preference is still for hard copy documents when it comes to council business.

Just over half of the respondents (52%) said they preferred to receive their council tax bills through the post – a figure that was almost 20% higher than utilities customers who were more willing to consider digital tools for correspondence.

Chief executive officer for Opus Trust Communications, Tony Strong, commented: ‘The Hidden Opportunity Market Report has confirmed that consumers still prefer to receive their council tax bills through the post, despite the availability of digital alternatives such as apps and online portals.

‘The report indicates that only a small minority of consumers feel that councils are effective in the way they interact, so there’s a real opportunity for them to mirror the success of other sectors when it comes to transferring to digital communications.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner