Residents in the former Mendip District Council area in Somerset are being alerted to potential disruptions as Somerset Council undertakes a significant system migration. The upgrade affects council tax, benefits, and business rates services, with Mendip representing the first phase of this transition.
Beginning in late August, the existing Mendip system will be offline for at least three weeks to facilitate the changeover. This upgrade promises a new and improved customer portal along with easier payment options designed to enhance user experience.
Councillor Liz Leyshon, Deputy Leader of Somerset Council and Lead Member for Resources, Procurement and Performance, emphasized the importance of this upgrade: “While there will be a short period of disruption, the new system will make it easier for residents to manage their accounts, make payments, and access support online. We thank everyone for their patience during the transition.”
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Key points for residents during the outage include:
- Online Forms: Some services may experience interruptions. Updates will be continuously posted on the council’s website.
- Customer Services: While staff will be unable to process claims or changes, they remain available to provide advice.
- Website Updates: The council website will provide current information, including notifications when services resume.
- Housing Benefit Payments: These will continue as normal. Letters confirming payment details will be sent solely for residents’ information.
- Payments: Online and automated telephone payments remain functional throughout the transition.
- Direct Debits: Scheduled direct debits will proceed without issue. Residents should contact their banks directly if they wish to alter payments scheduled for 15 September or 1 October.
Additional changes to look forward to include:
- Payment Cards: Existing cards remain valid, but no new cards will be issued. Future payment bills will feature barcodes for convenience at Post Office and PayPoint outlets.
- New Customer Portal: When the upgrade completes, residents will have access to a revamped portal to manage their Council Tax accounts with ease. Registration instructions will be posted on the council website.
- Bank Details: Service User Numbers are set to change, with more information to be communicated in due course.
Residents are reminded to remain cautious of potential fraud: the council will never request bank details by phone, email, or text message.
For ongoing updates and detailed information, residents should consult the Somerset Council website.