17th March 2008, 08/68
Cash office closures - changes to how you pay
bills
The way our customers can pay their bills is changing in light
of the world’s increasing movement towards technology.
As customers move towards electronic methods of payment, the
Council have decided that in the near future it will no longer
provide cash office facilities at its customer service points at 52
Derby St, Ormskirk or at the Concourse in Skelmersdale.
This means that no payments can be made at either of these
locations. However, customers have a number of other easy options
to pay bills including on the Council’s website, over the phone or
in some cases via Direct Debit - all of which can be done quickly
and easily without leaving the comfort of your own home.
To ensure that customers know their options, the Council has
taken on an ‘Alternative Payment Advisor’, who is visiting the two
sites to give residents advice about the best ways they can pay
their bills.
Posters are also going up in prime locations across the district
to ensure that people are notified about the changes and have
plenty of time to explore their best options.
The Council realises that some people may not be able to adapt
to the changes so quickly and is reassuring residents that they can
still pay bills by cash at local Post Offices and Paypoint/Payzone
outlets.
Cllr Adrian Owens, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: "With
easy options to pay bills such as via Direct Debit or on the
Council’s award-winning website we took the decision to make our
service more cost efficient and close the remaining cash office
facilities. We realise that customers affected may need time to
adapt to the changes or will need advice, which is why we have
taken on an Alternative Payment Advisor. He is able to advise on
individual needs and circumstances to help customers find the best
way they can pay their bills. This is to minimise the impact the
changes will have on affected residents".
Alternative methods of payment include: Direct Debit, Standing
Order, Cheques by post, Bank Giro Credit, Debit Card, Post
Office/Paypoint and Credit Card. In many cases people can still pay
cash at local Post Offices and Paypoint Outlets if they have
arranged this facility through the Council.
To find out what the best method is for you, please get in touch
with your relevant service provider or ask for details on 01695
577177 or visit our pay a bill section.
Related information
> Benefits and payments
> Paying a
bill