Council tax payments made easier

West Wiltshire District Council is teaming up with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank to provide council tax payers with an additional 19 outlets at which they can make payments.

From March, council tax payers who choose to make over the counter payments with a payment book will receive a payment card which will enable them to make payments at any Post Office or retail outlet that displays the payzone sign.

In addition to a greater choice of locations including newsagents, convenience stores and petrol stations, the new payment cards will also provide greater accessibility for council tax payers as many of the payzone outlets have long opening hours, including weekends, with some open 24/7.

The new service follows the announcement last June that alphyra, which owns payzone, Europe’s largest cash acceptance network and Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank were to team up.

Commenting on the new service, Cllr Sarah Content, Leader of West Wiltshire District Council said: “With people leading increasingly busy lives, we are committed to offering our customers a choice of payment options and this new agreement will enhance our current service considerably. The council spoke to a number of providers, about how we could improve the number of locations at which council tax payers could make payments, and are delighted with the solution Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank will be providing. The bank has a long history of providing bill payment solutions to local authorities and I am convinced this new service will prove to be very popular with residents.”

Bob Bousfield-Adams, Manager of Payment Services, at Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank said: “We are delighted that West Wiltshire District Council has chosen to introduce our payment card service. As long standing partners of the council we are pleased to be extending our relationship.”

“The Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank and alphyra agreement highlights our commitment to the bill payment market. In addition, unlike some other bill payment providers, Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank is also able to provide organisations with a full banking service, ensuring that all their financial needs are satisfied.”