WDH launch internet cafè

Many organisations now offer their services through the internet.

Using the internet, customers often get better deals, more up to date service, and are able to obtain information outside of normal working hours. The internet has become the quickest and cheapest way of buying insurance, bank loans, house hunting, and searching for a new job.

Local Councils and Housing Associations also offer their services on the internet. It is now possible to pay and obtain a current statement on Council Tax and Rents, to pay other bills, to obtain information and make complaints all using the internet.

However, we recognise that some residents do not have access to the internet and could therefore be excluded from this type of service. For example, Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) have found that only 28% of their tenants have any form of internet connection at home, and even less have the fast "broadband" connection that make searching for the best services and deals quick and easy.

WDH are therefore providing an "internet cafè" to allow residents and local people to use the internet free of charge to obtain this type of service.

WDH offer advice, guidance and training to tenants on the following topics on using the internet.

general training on to using internet explorer, web site addresses, and searching the internet
how to use the internet to access WDH services such as homesearch (applying for a new property), paying rent, obtaining a rent statement, logging a repair, setting up a direct debit
how to use the internet to access Wakefield Council services such as Council Tax, information on local services, libraries, refuse collection, planning and other services
how to use the internet to look for other housing options, such as searching for a home, identifying local services in a local area such as schools, local transport links and other services
searching for financial services such as savings, loans, and the best deals searching for jobs, employment, and training on the internet