WEST Devon Borough Council is encouraging all residents who have not already done so to consider paying their council tax by direct debit. 

Cllr Lois Samuel, West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for health and well-being, said: ‘This is by far the easiest way to pay your council tax bill. It’s safe, it comes with a guarantee and it enables the council to get on with the job of delivering services rather than chasing payments.

‘It is automatic, as long as there is money in your account, your council tax will get paid. You do not need to remember when your next payment is due, or come into Kilworthy Park, our office in Okehampton or remember to call us to pay it. It just gets paid.’

Residents in West Devon are being encouraged to go online, fill in one simple form and set up their direct debit payment. The council said it had never been quicker or easier to get a direct debit set up with West Devon Borough Council to pay your council tax. 

In simple terms a direct debit is an instruction from you to your bank or building society. It gives an organisation permission to collect the amount from your account. Once you have agreed to this, the money is deducted automatically on an agreed date. If the organisation wants to change the amount or date of collection, they have to tell you first.

The efficiency and security of direct debit is monitored and protected by your own bank or building society, under what is called the direct debit guarantee, which covers three important safeguards: immediate money back in the event of an error, advance notice of changes and your right to cancel at any time.

So if you are moving house, or thinking about making a council tax payment, pay a visit to West Devon Borough Council’s website at www.westdevon.gov.uk  and follow the instructions on how to set up a direct debit.

All you need is your council tax number and your bank details.