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Council Tax Payment Methods

This Council aims to provide an efficient service and the information given explains the basic facts about Council Tax.

Payment Methods

You can pay your Council Tax in a number of ways.

• Direct Debit
• Online (using Credit or Debit Card)
• Cash
• Cheque
• Standing Order
• By Phone (using Credit or Debit Card) 0845 1211 555
• By Automated Telephone Payments (using Credit or Debit Card) 01609 767230

Note: there is a 1.77% charge for using a Credit Card . This is to cover the cost charged to the Council.

• You can pay 10 monthly instalments from April to January. If we send your bill after April, the number of instalments will be less.
• If you have a bank or building society account, the most convenient way to pay your Council Tax is by direct debit. Payment will be collected on 1st of the month. If the amount you have to pay changes we will tell you, in writing, and we will automatically alter the amount we collect.

Note: an optional date of 15th of the month is available for Direct Debit payers.

• If you do not choose the Direct Debit method we will give you a payment booklet containing instalment slips. You can pay at the Civic Centre, at our Area Offices or at the bank and Post Office using these slips.

Note: You may incur additional charges at the Post Office and some Banks.

If you wish to change to Direct Debit please complete the mandate in the front of your payment book or telephone us on 0845 1211 555 and we will take your details.

Payment Arrangements

If you do not keep your payments up to date we will send you a Reminder Letter. You will then have 7 days to bring your payments up to date. If you do not do so you will receive a Magistrates Court Summons for the full Council Tax you owe. If you receive a Summons you will have to pay extra costs.

If you receive a Summons and you do not pay, the debt may be recovered by a bailiff.

If you are having difficulty making any payment we can help you by agreeing a payment arrangement with you. You should contact us immediately to make an arrangement.

But if you do not let us know you are having problems, we cannot help you.

If you are having difficulties paying, let us know as soon as possible. We will then try to make a suitable arrangement with you. We only use bailiffs as a last resort.