Stop paying by cheque urges Council

The cost to the Council to process cheques is around £3.60 compared with 2p to make payments online. 

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “The number of cheques we receive is low, but they incur very high processing costs.

“There are much easier and more secure ways to make payments.

“We’re constantly improving the ways customers can pay their bills at a time and place which suits you”

Customers can pay for Council services online, by Direct Debit, internet banking, telephone and at PayPoint and Post Office outlets.

Gemma-Louise Wells, Head of Finance, said: “By going online you can set up to pay your Council Tax and Business Rates by Direct Debit as well as make payments for services using a debit or credit card.

“And if you want to pay in person, barcoded invoices can be paid at PayPoint stores or Post Offices which are often open later and many may be just around the corner from your home.”

Saima Khan, Team Leader for Contact Pendle at Number One Market Street, explained that there is help for anyone who’d like to make online payments but are unsure of how to do it or don’t have access to the internet.

She said: “We have several computers onsite for customers to access our online services and staff who can help between 8.45am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

“Customers can also use our dedicated telephones to make payments via the Automated Telephone Payment Line.

“And if anyone wants to apply for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support they can use our computers to do that too.”

Councillor Mahmood added: “Our priority is to protect investment in the services which matter most to our residents and businesses so it’s important we can make savings where we can.”

More information is available at www.pendle.gov.uk/waystopay