GGP GIS Transforms Wyre Forest Council’s Operational Services

The UK's Wyre Forest District Council is using a GIS from GGP Systems to transform the delivery of frontline services. Used to support a ‘one stop shop’ phone service, the Council’s Operational Services Division is using GGP’s powerful desktop mapping software to access accurate and up to date service information. This improved access to information helps resolve requests from members of the public relating to a range of services such as bin collections, grass cutting and fly tipping.

Councillor Helen Dyke, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services says “We are always looking at ways of being more effective for our residents. The new number, underpinned by GGP GIS, has been created to go to the heart of operational services so that queries can be answered by the people who are delivering the services. This means callers can have their questions answered in one phone call with minimum waiting time.”

The new direct dial phone service answers calls about a wide range of council services, including waste and recycling, street cleansing, parks and open spaces, civil and environmental enforcement, parking and grounds maintenance.

Staff within the operational services have been populating GGP GIS with a host of asset and service based information detailing grounds maintenance services, waste management operations and street furniture locations. “Having completed the hard work to capture the relevant spatial data we are now reaping the rewards,” says Sarah Davis, Business Support Officer. “Using GGP GIS we can now access the information we need when we need it. This means we can be more efficient in our day to day dealings with callers to our new direct dial phone number - improving frontline customer service.”

GGP GIS is also improving working partnerships, for example with local housing companies, by making clear who is responsible for what in different areas. This clarity means a more efficient service and a quicker response and resolution to enquiries for the customer. The system is also being used to help the council generate income by highlighting particular areas where paid for services can be successfully marketed, for example its garden waste collection.

The use of GGP GIS to underpin the transformation of operational services builds on the use of the software within other directorates. Sarah Davis concluded, “By using GGP as the prime database for queries, changes, reports and outputs to other systems, we have been able to maximise on existing resources. This means we can explore other projects and technologies including route optimisation and in-cab technology.”