Confirmation that in-person council services are changing has raised concerns among some residents.

Amersham residents have reacted to the announcement that face-to-face council services were going to change in January following the phased closure of King George V House office.

Patrick Carroll followed the council cabinet meeting closely on Tuesday, December 12, when the decision was made to close the Amersham office, create new council access points in Chesham and Amersham, and to relocate council staff to High Wycombe.

He said in principle he didn’t have a problem with the changes, but “it’s the detail that brings the problems.”

His main concerns were lack of transparency over what was going to happen to the former office, lack of a public consultation, and how the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre library could fit the new council access point as it seemed “pretty full already,” Patrick said.

He continued: “I can’t see how it’s going to work without being detrimental to the library and the office service.”

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Both Patrick and Liberal Democrat Amersham Town councillor Mark Roberts said they were concerned over the impact on the elderly and disabled residents with complex support needs.

Mark said the Lib Dem town councillors wrote to council leader Martin Tett to express their concern.

He said: “We are concerned that they would amount to little more than a desk with some leaflets, a phone and computer. We're concerned about how sensitive and discreet a setting that would be for confidential discussions.  And we're concerned about how they would support elderly and disabled residents and others with complicated circumstances who want to speak to a council specialist officer in person.

“More information is needed and residents should been given the opportunity to have their say on the proposals."

Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for accessible housing and resources John Chilver said data showed that the current council access point in King George V House has been the “least used” of all council corporate buildings since the Covid pandemic.

Closing the building, which has 16 percent occupancy rate, is expected to save the council £2.4million in revenue savings every year plus a £6million capital receipt, he said.

“We know how important it is that residents can continue to visit the council face to face when this site closes, especially those who need extra help with getting online to do their council business and this support will be available at the council access point across the road at Amersham Library.

“We are confident that Amersham Library will be able to manage the number and variety of enquiries that come in.”

Most common queries from residents at KGV House were over paying council tax, collecting litter picking equipment and collecting food caddies and bin bags, all of which can be dealt with at the new access point, he said.

The plan has been considered for a "long time," with councillors invited to a briefing about it. 

Further update will follow when the site is sold and residents can comment on any future development proposals through the planning process, he explained.