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People should be able to use one single number to contact any public service according to research carried out by the Consumer Council. 'NIDirect' aims to be a new way to contact government services with just one simple number.
Having one number to contact government would cut down the problems people face when contacting a public service.
People should be able to use one single number to contact any public service according to research carried out by the Consumer Council. Getting through to Government departments can be a major headache for people and the Consumer Council is working in partnership with the Department for Finance and Personnel (DFP) to deliver the "NIDirect" vision.
"NIDirect" is a new way to contact government services with just one simple number. Key representatives from organisations right across Northern Ireland took part in a major consultation exercise which culminated in a stakeholder event at the Stormont Hotel today.
Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive at the Consumer Council said:
"We support the NIDirect vision and are proud to be playing a key role with the Assembly in making the consumer voice heard and count on this important issue which affects every one of us.
We have undertaken extensive research with DFP to try and understand the problems that people face when they try to contact a public service. Consumers tell us stories of phones ringing off the hook, being kept on hold, getting transferred to the wrong person or not being able to speak to a real person.
"The good news is that the Government is consulting far and wide and listening to people’s views on the delivery of NIDirect. We now have the real potential to transform how we interact with Government by providing people with a single point of contact and being firmly focused on customers’ needs.
"The Consumer Council welcomes the inclusive, open and transparent approach taken by DFP."
The Consumer Council has consulted with people from across Northern Ireland. The outcome of the consultation exercise will directly influence the future direction of NIDirect.
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