Monday 30th October 2006
(ref:
360/2006)
A Wigan Council team has become the only one in the country to win a top accolade for the way it provides services to deaf and hard of hearing people.
The Revenues and Benefits service has been re-awarded the Louder Than Words charter by RNID, the charity representing the UK’s nine million deaf and hard of hearing people.
The Metro finance teams, who collect council tax and business rates and deal with housing and council tax benefit claims, had to meet a rigorous set of standards laid down by RNID.
An inspector looked at all services available for deaf or hard of hearing customers and employees. These included:
- Staff being trained to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing customers.
- Appropriate equipment, such as loop systems, installed at enquiry centres.
- A good listening environment which is well signed and lit.
- Requests for support with communication met whenever possible.
In 2003, the Revenues and Benefits teams were awarded the Louder than Words charter for the first time. Director of Finance and IT David Smith said:
“The RNID standard is the benchmark for services for the deaf and hard of hearing, so gaining this recognition is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all our staff.
“They are once again leading the way in making our services accessible for everyone.”
Whilst there are some local government organisations that have now also achieved the award, the Revenues and Benefits section is the only one in the country to have received the award individually.
Damian Brewer, Louder Than Words Coordinator says:
"RNID is pleased that Wigan Council Revenues and Benefits section is continuing to provide an excellent service to its deaf and hard of hearing customers. We hope to see more services making a similar commitment in the future.”
Wigan Council cabinet member Terry Halliwell said:
“We are committed to striving to create a society without barriers for anyone. It is vitally important that no-one in our borough should feel excluded or discriminated against because of a disability”
Note to editors
Further information: Joe Feeney, Assistant Director of Finance (Benefit Services) tel. 01942 828694.
For further information about RNID, please contact Emma Reynolds, Media Relations Officer, RNID, on tel/text 0207 296 8138.
