Thurrock Council is in the middle of implementing a new housing management system to enable tenants to self-serve online as well as supporting mobile working for its housing staff. Northgate Public Services’ set of web portal applications will enable Thurrock residents to access services via the internet such as querying rent accounts, making payments, reporting repairs and seeking housing advice.
The council’s previous system was 15 years old and no longer suitable for its requirements. The council was also keen to confront stereotypes around older tenants and technology.
Dermot Moloney, strategic lead for housing, Thurrock Council, said, “We are regularly told that older residents may struggle to make the leap to online self-service. However, with user friendly technology, supported by assisted self-serve, and working with our partners and volunteer base, applicants have made that transition.
“Around 10 per cent of our property base is sheltered housing. People are bidding on these properties online; it’s a 100 per cent digital platform and people have made the transition. We have residents of all ages using the service, and now well over 50 per cent of our bids are from mobile devices.”
