Carmarthenshire County Council’s customer service centres in Ammanford and Llanelli will re-open from Wednesday, July 29.
The Hwbs will re-open in a phased approach to ensure the safety of customers and staff. The Hwb and cash desk at Spilman Street in Carmarthen currently remains closed. Further information on the re-opening will be announced in coming weeks.
Despite the buildings having to close at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, Hwb staff have continued to help and advise over 90,000 residents over the phone since lockdown.
Residents are still being encouraged to use their My Hwb account for online services and payments, setting up direct debits for regular payments such as council tax or to call the team where possible on 01267 234567.
The Hwbs on Stepney Street, Llanelli, and Quay Street, Ammanford, will be open Monday to Thursday from 9am-5pm and 9am-4.30pm on Friday.
To ensure the safety of customers and staff there will be some changes to how the Hwbs will now be running to those who require face to face advice.
Only one customer can attend per visit (two if they are from the same household and need support during the enquiry.)
To ensure social distancing measures are followed the number of customers inside the building will be reduced and queuing will take place outside the building.
Protective screens and sanitiser points will be in place.
To contain the potential of spreading the virus there will be no access to computers or phones for the duration.
The cash desks at Ammanford and Llanelli will be open to take payments for council tax, business rates, council rents, parking fines, temporary accommodation charges, licensing fees, building regulation and planning fees. Please note the cash desks will be closed daily from 1pm-1.45pm.
The Hwb provides a face to face advice and assistance service to customers for a range of council enquiries such as recycling, housing benefits, council tax, blue badges, taxi licensing and more.
Executive board member responsible for Resources, Cllr David Jenkins, said: “Hwb staff have been continuing to help thousands of customers throughout the pandemic over the phone and they are still at the other end of the line to help residents with any queries, but I’m pleased to say that our Hwb buildings in Ammanford and Llanelli will now re-open to those who require face to face advice. Further changes may be implemented if and when Welsh Government revises restrictions, which will ensure the safety of customers and staff at all times.”
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