Council Cash Offices have now closed

Newham Council's three remaining cash offices have now closed. The closures will deliver £500,000 savings and help protect key frontline services.

Paying council bills at a cash office costs the council more to process than any other method of payment. Each payment taken over the counter at a cash office costs £1.80. This compares to £0.02p for a direct debit payment.

We have increased the range of payments that can be made over the phone and internet, which means you can pay your bills from the comfort of your home.

Paying online or over the internet is quicker, safer and more reliable - there are no queues and residents need not worry about carrying large amounts of cash around with them. All Newham libraries have free internet access and staff can help with making payments online. Visit www.newham.gov.uk/payit to see how easy it is to do.

Other ways to pay include:

• Direct Debit - this is the simplest way to pay regular bills such as Council Tax and rent. You can also set up a standing order; visit www.newham.gov.uk/cashless or call 020 8430 2000 for more information
• Online - visit www.newham.gov.uk to pay and you can also view your rent and Council Tax statements. You can also do this at one of our new self-serve kiosks in East Ham, Stratford and Forest Gate Customer Service Centres and Canning Town, Green Street and North Woolwich Libraries.
• Phone - pay over the phone with a credit or debit card
• AllPay card - AllPay cards are accepted at post offices or any shop displaying the Paypoint sign.

If you'd like information on how to open a bank account, speak to the Money Advice Service. Call 020 8430 2000 to make an appointment at East Ham Local Service Centre. You can also call the Money Advice Service on 0300 500 5000 to get advice over the phone (this service is available 8am-8pm Monday to Friday; the call will be charged at your normal rate). You can also get information at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.

For more information on ways to pay, visit www.newham.gov.uk/cashless or pick up a Payment Options Guide from your local service centre or library.