ACCESSING Wigan Council services has become easier thanks to a new online service which was launched on Monday.

Residents can now create their own online account - called MyAccount - to gain access to a range of council services at the click of a mouse or the swipe of a smart phone.

The new digital approach to the way that services are offered is part of the council’s ‘deal’ with residents and aims to save money for both residents and the council.

Clr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for customer transformation at Wigan Council, said: “MyAccount has been developed to make accessing council services more convenient.

“Rather than calling into their local life centre, residents will now be able to do what they need online and from the comfort of their own home.

“The new website, which launched last year, complements this service, making information clearer and easier to access and compatible with smart phones. Going digital will help the council to save money and bring services into the twenty-first century.”

Once registered, residents will be able to review their own information, track the progress of applications and make payments, such as rent and council tax payments online.

Wigan and Leigh Housing tenants will move over to MyAccount from the current My Council service.

Residents will be able to view their council tax details, make payments, apply for discounts and amend address details online.

They will also be able to apply for housing benefit or free school meals and complete a change of circumstances form online.

More services will come online during 2014, including booking appointments for births, deaths and marriages; reporting a range of issues and applying to the housing register.

To register for MyAccount, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/MyAccount.