MID Devon District Council is changing the way people can pay.

From December 1, 2018, the council will cease to take payments at its cashier desks in Phoenix House, Tiverton, as it strives to provide a more cost-effective and high-quality service to residents and businesses.

Each year staff at Mid Devon District Council process around 30,000 cash and cheque transactions at its offices in Tiverton.

As part of its drive to improve efficiency and ensure money is spent on essential services, the council says it will no longer accept cheques at its offices, or by post, from December 1.

At the same time MDDC staff will cease to take payments in person in Phoenix House.

It says stopping these forms of payments will save the council £24,000 per year.

It adds that customers will continue to have the options of paying online, using cash or card at a self-service kiosk in Phoenix House or via its automated telephone system.

Those residents who would like to continue paying their bills by cheque are advised that they can still do so by taking their bill and method of payment to their local Post Office or Payzone.

MDDC’s Customer First team will be on-hand in the reception area of Phoenix House to ensure anyone who needs help accessing a new form of payment will be guided through the process.

Payments at MDDC’s three leisure centres will be unaffected by these changes.

Lisa Lewis, Head of Business Transformation, said: “Many residents in Mid Devon already pay their bills online or by Direct Debit and this figure grows each year.

“While some of our customers like to come into our offices to pay, this is a minority of people and processing these cheques and cash in person does not represent value for money.

“There are now many alternative methods of payment we can offer and we will ensure everyone has a choice of methods to use and that our staff are on-hand to help them.”

To find a local branch, visit the Post Office website: www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder or Payzone: www.payzone.co.uk and type in your Postcode. You will then be given a map showing you all of the locations where you can pay. All you need is your bill and your method of payment.

For information on how to pay for any council related services visit: www.middevon.gov.uk/WaysToPay .