Council Provides Even More Options To Pay

As part of their major commitment to respond to customers' needs, Dover District Council is improving all customer payment options.

Many customers are seeing the considerable benefits of paying by Direct Debit, with more than half of Council Tax payers paying this way. DDC is upgrading services in the new year for those that prefer to pay by credit and debit cards, either by telephone or the internet. The Council has already invested in transformational change at the main offices at Whitfield and the Area Office in Dover, and is currently reviewing the service in Sandwich, Deal and Aylesham, to ensure local needs are met.

DDC is making moves to transfer day-to-day cash payments from Area Offices to Post Offices and Pay Zones in the new year. A move to Post Offices and Pay Zones at certain retail outlets increases cash payment options for those who are unable to pay by other means. The move increases the number of locations to pay from the current four Area Offices to 27 pay points across the district, and many more across the country.

Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, Cabinet Member for Citizenship and Consumer Affairs, said: "We are looking at exciting changes across the district and ensuring local needs are met. Paying by Direct Debit offers significant benefits to our customers but we understand that some still prefer other methods. Transferring cash payments to Post Offices will not only offer people more choices and help support rural economies but will lay the foundations for significant improvements in the Council's service delivery and efficiency, ultimately reducing the cost to taxpayers."