Paying by Direct Debit

Direct Debit is a simple, safe and speedy way to pay regular bills and subscriptions automatically from your bank account.

You agree with the organisation the amount to be collected and the date of payment. From then on the amount will be deducted from your account on a regular basis.

The organisation can only take the agreed amount. If they need to change the amount or collection date, they have to notify you first.


Five great reasons to pay by Direct Debit:

• No need to write cheques or queue at the bank
• The peace of mind that bills have been paid promptly
• You are guaranteed an immediate refund in the unlikely event of an error ever occurring
• You will always be informed 10 days in advance of any changes - giving you total control over the amounts and payment dates
• You are free to cancel at any time

What's more, paying by Direct Debit helps us to keep our costs under control and the savings will be passed on to you in the form of better services.

However always make sure there is enough money in your account for Direct Debit payments. Most banks charge if a payment is not made because you do not have enough money in your account.


How do I set up a Direct Debit?

• Fill out our online Direct Debit request forms:
  
  - Council Tax Direct Debit request form
  - Business Rates Direct Debit request form
  
  
• Complete a Direct Debit Instruction. Simply print off the relevant form from the list below, fill in your details, then return it to us (the address is on the form):
  
  - Council Tax Direct Debit instruction
  - Business Rates Direct Debit instruction
  - Housing rent Direct Debit instruction
  
  
• Set up a Direct Debit over the telephone by calling 020 8430 2000

Once we receive your instrustion, we will automatically send you a schedule showing the amounts to be collected and confirming the monthly collection date (or weekly collection date if preferred for housing rent).


You choose when to pay:

• You can pay your Council Tax on either the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd or 28th
• You can also choose whether to pay your annual Council Tax bill in 10 or 12 instalments
• You can pay your housing rent monthly on either the 1st or 15th of each month or weekly on the first working day of each week.

Just choose the best for you.

No bank account?

If you don't have a bank account or even if you have never had a bank account, you may be able to open a basic bank account - available from most high street banks. These are specially tailored for people starting from scratch or re-starting bank accounts.

This is the right option for you if you are on a low income in receipt of benefits. Visit your local high street bank to find out more. You can also read the Basic Bank Accounts guide (pdf) from the Money Advice Service for more information.