Pictured: Burgh Buildings (above) and Falkirk Library (below) identified as new temporary locations for the Central Hub.
With the lease coming to an end in Callendar Square next year, the Council has identified a new temporary home for its Central Advice & Support Hub.
At a meeting of the Executive today (November 17th) it was agreed essential hub services would be delivered from Falkirk Library with additional services for planned appointments at Burgh Buildings.
Although proposals are at an early stage and plans still need to be finalised, it is anticipated that services are likely to be provided in this way for the next three to four years before becoming a central part of the new HQ & Arts Centre.
The temporary move will help the Council continue to provide essential services in the town centre and help save around £300k per year.
The move also allows services to be co-located with others and will aid the design process of the new HQ & Arts Centre, showcasing how spaces can be shared and service models evolved to offer the best customer experience.
Providing the right support
With most people now paying for council services digitally or by phone, temporary Hub services will focus on those who need face-to-face support and allow for increased outreach services for those who need it most across the Falkirk Council area.
Although an agreed date for the move is still be finalised, Hub Services will ultimately be provided as follows:
Falkirk Library
- Drop-in service, providing information on all council services
- Some face-to-face support will be available regarding: Council Tax, housing benefit, welfare benefits, debt and housing enquiries
Burgh Buildings
- Face-to-face support – appointments only
- Planned appointments may include specialist welfare benefits or debt advice, homelessness, rent arrears and eviction
Contact details will be added to the Advice & Support Hubs page once services are relocated.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “While there is a need to move towards a greater number of digital services that are more efficient for customers, it is recognised that having a town centre presence for our Hub services is still important.
“As we progress our Council HQ & Arts centre plans, having these facilities available on a temporary basis will be a reassurance to many until a permanent location is established.”
The Central Advice & Support Hub is one of 23 Council of the Future projects that aim to modernise and improve services and help deliver the Council’s three new corporate priorities - Communities, Enterprise, and Innovation.
