The launch of a new council self-service help line means that South Hams residents have around-the-clock access to council tax and business rates information.

The new system has been designed to allow residents to carry out simple transactions such as making a payment or informing South Hams Council of a change in circumstances, whenever they need to.

From Wednesday this week, all calls to the council tax and business rates helpline have had access to the service by choosing from a set of simple options.

Advisers will be available during office hours if inquiries are complex or users wish to discuss the matter in person.

Darren Cole, the district council's head of customer services, said: 'Setting up this new 24-hour service is another important step in our continued quest to improve customer service.

'At present, anyone wishing to contact us by telephone can only call during normal office hours but at certain times our lines get extremely busy and callers may not always be able to get through as quickly as we would like.

'Staff can get tied up dealing with straightforward inquiries and this can lead to delays in dealing with more complex or urgent cases.

'In most instances, straightforward inquiries could be dealt with faster and more efficiently with an easy to use automated service.'

The council has developed the 24-hour self-service line with Inform Communications plc – a company with over 15 years experience in the provision of telephone and email support services to local authorities.

To access the new 24 hour self-service phone line, residents can call 01803 863414.