Business
8x8 Fast Pay Helps UK Councils Ease Rent Pressures and Support Tenants in Need
Automation-powered virtual assistant reduces workloads for council staff, enables secure digital payments, and guides citizens to financial relief services
About this update from 8x8 Inc
[{"type":"text","content":"\nAutomation-powered virtual assistant reduces workloads for council staff, enables secure digital payments, and guides citizens to financial relief services\n\n\n LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nCouncils across the UK are cutting complexity from rent collection and citizen support with 8x8® Fast Pay. From 8x8, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT), the industry’s most integrated customer experience (CX) platform provider, the new digital service makes it easier for tenants to manage rent and seek financial relief while easing the strain on overworked council staff.\n\n\n8x8 Fast Pay takes a proactive approach to streamlining collections and supporting residents struggling to make payments. Through SMS messaging, citizens can respond in multiple ways – from making secure on-line payments to starting a virtual conversation for further help.\n\n\nThe solution is designed to ease operational burden on council teams while improving services for those who need them most. It can also guide tenants to support services and programs, such as Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP).\n\n\nAccording to research by housing charity Shelter, more than two-thirds of people with housing costs in England reported financial pressures over the last year – nearly 20 million people across England – with 21% struggling to keep up with mortgage or rent payments.\n\n\nKey Benefits of 8x8 Fast Pay Include:\n\n\n\nFlexible payment paths: Tenants can quickly pay online or connect with a staff member, reducing missed payments and easing arrears.\n\n\n\nEmpathetic support at scale: Automated conversations handle routine questions in a supportive tone, freeing staff to focus on complex cases.\n\n\n\nEasier access to financial relief: Citizens are guided through available support, such as Discretionary Housing Payments, helping more people claim assistance they’re entitled to.\n\n\n\nHuman help when needed: At any stage, residents can seamlessly switch to a live agent with full context, ensuring no one gets stuck in the process.\n\n\n\nPeace of mind with every payment: Fully PCI DSS compliant, secure transactions protect both councils and citizens.\n\n\n\nBy digitizing key workflows and reducing manual effort, 8x8 Fast Pay empowers councils to better serve citizens – while improving collections and reducing strain on support teams.\n\n\nTechnology helping to relieve overwhelmed staff\n...