Direct debits - a brief summary

What is a Direct Debit?

A Direct Debit is an instruction from a customer to their bank or building society. It gives permission to allow another organisation to collect varying amounts of money from the customer’s account. For example, you can tell your bank to allow the council to take money from your account to pay your council tax or other types of bills.

What are the advantages of a Direct Debit?

Some of the advantages include:

• instead of paying one lump sum you can spread the cost over an agreed period
• payments are made automatically, ensuring bills are never forgotten
• you don’t have to queue at your bank or fill out a cheque each time

Is my money safe?

Yes!

• there is an immediate money back guarantee from your bank in the event of an error
• you will be told in advance notice if the date or amount changes
• you can cancel at any time
• the council is vetted to ensure it sticks to direct debit legislation

How can I sign up for Direct Debits?

You can pay the following using Direct Debit:

• council tax - follow this link to sign up to pay your council tax by direct debit
• council rents and service charges – call 01582 547983 or 547982

You can download and fill in the appropriate Direct Debit form from the downloads section below.

I'd like to know more

Click here for general information about Direct Debits.

Other ways to pay your council bills

You can visit the 'Pay it' area of our website to find other ways to pay for council services.