Employment Minister is given a tour of the council's Public Services Hub

The Public Services Hub at The Guildhall, has been hailed as an example of national best practice.

It is one of the first arising from work with Job Centre Plus, Citizens Advice and Voluntary Centre Services.

The Employment Minister, Priti Patel, was given a tour of the hub located at the Guildhall to see how the joined up approach is helping people get back into work.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Coun Jeff Summers, was delighted to welcome the minister to the Public Services Hub.

He said: “The visit was a great opportunity to demonstrate how well West Lindsey District Council have brought together on one site a range of services, which assist residents through a difficult and sometimes traumatic period in their life.

“The Department of Work and Pensions and the voluntary sector work together to support people back into work.

“West Lindsey was among the first district councils in the country to offer a range of different services under one roof as well as improved customer care.

“The dedicated staff at West Lindsey have piloted this innovative co-location for The Department of Work and Pensions ready to roll out nationally.”

Employment Minister, Priti Patel, said: “I was very impressed to see first-hand how the co-location of the Jobcentre Plus, the council and other partners are working together to support local people into work and volunteering.

“This is a great example of partnership working.

“At a time when we have a record number of people in work and jobs vacancies at an all-time high, there are a wealth of opportunities available, delivering economic security for Britain.”

The council set up a Public Services Hub in January last year to support the local community and create a ‘one stop shop’ for customers.

It helps people in all other aspects of getting into work including work experience and volunteering.

There is also free IT access, with staff on hand to guide people using the internet for a range of activities including; searching and apply for jobs to paying their council tax online.

The opening times for the Public Services Hub are 9am to 5pm, Monday and Tuesday, 10am to 5pm Wednesday and 9am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday.

The Guildhall can be found in Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough.