After March Wealden District Council will no longer accept cheques for the payment of any bills or services.
Cllr Bob Standley, Leader and Governance & Strategic Finance Portfolio Holder said:
We’ve taken the decision to stop accepting cheques at the Council after 31st March as we feel it’s safer for our customers. Most of our customers already pay for Council services by Direct Debit, and so it makes sense for us to stop accepting them as a method of payment in order to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. It also costs the Council approximately £10 to process each cheque, meaning that this action will help to keep Council Tax as low as possible.
Since 2011 there has been a 65% reduction in the number of people paying for Council services by cheque. Council bills are being redesigned to make the payment process easier. They will include a number of alternative payment options and suggest places for people to pay using a method that suits them.
It’s not quite game over for the cheque though. Those still wishing to pay the Council by cheque will still be able to do so via their local Post Office.
