Pendle News Room

Customers who visit Number One Market Street in Nelson will be able to make payments using the on-site computers and telephones, or they’ll be directed to the nearest PayPoint or Post Office to pay in cash.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “We’re constantly introducing news ways for customers to pay their bills at a time and place which suits them.

“By going online customers can set up to pay their council tax and business rates by Direct Debit as well as make payments for services using a debit or credit card.

“And by using PayPoint stores or Post Offices, customers can still pay their bills with cash.

“Just take your bill, which includes your unique account reference number and barcode, to participating retailers in Pendle.

“Their opening hours are later than ours and many may be just around the corner from your house!”

Within a three-mile radius of Nelson town centre there are 54 outlets, at least 11 of which are of walking distance from Contact Pendle.

And within a three-mile radius of Barnoldswick town centre there are 11 outlets, with at least seven within walking distance from the Council Shop in Fernlea Avenue.

Leanne Burrows, Service Delivery Manager for Liberata which runs customer services on behalf of the Council, 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: “At Number One Market Street we currently have two computers for customers to access our online services and staff who can help.

“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.”

The Council’s decision to remove over the counter payments comes as fewer customers pay this way.

Councillor Iqbal said: “Our priority is to protect investment in the services which matter most to our residents and businesses.

“But as a result of less money coming from the Government to help fund our services, our financial position is dire and difficult decisions have to be made.

“Over the next three years we estimate that we must reduce spending by £4m and closing our over the counter payments facilities will help us do that.

“The cost per transaction is significantly more for staffing a counter. Every transaction with a cashier is £2.60 compared with 2p to make payments online.”

Ways to pay your Council bills:

•          To set up a Direct Debit online or make an online payment visit www.pendle.gov.uk/counciltaxonline

•          Payments for Council Tax, Housing Rents, Business Rates, Benefits overpayments and Garden Waste subscriptions can be done online – www.pendle.gov.uk/doitonline or via the Council’s Automated Telephone Payment Line call 0845 372 3334 (available 24 hours a day.)

•          To find your nearest PayPoint or Post Office go to www.allpay.net/outlets

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