Testing the use of texting

At Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, there are on average 20 incoming texts per month. These are managed from a PC in the same way as emails but then replies go via a mobile phone.

All the staff who deal with the text messaging have been checked by the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB). This is because they have access to the youth text message list including young people's mobile numbers.

Issues reported so far by texting include overflowing recycling banks, graffiti, vandalism, and benefit fraud.

Services that can be requested include the green recycling box, help with homelessness, arrangement to pay Council Tax and getting missed bins collected.

Benefits

• There is one request which demonstrates the real value of providing this option is not necessarily to count numbers but look at the individuals who are using this method of contact. This was from a deaf lady who was suffering domestic violence. She couldn't phone the council, but was being kept house bound by her partner. The ability to text from her mobile was a very positive option.

Find out more

Visit Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council's website to find out more about texting.