From 5pm on 23 December, Hackney residents will no longer be able to use the payment counters in Hackney’s Cashiers Office, at 2 Hillman Street, to pay by cash or cheque for Council services.
The number of people using the Cashiers counters has declined with a growing number of Hackney residents choosing to manage and pay for Council services online, either by setting-up direct debit instalments or by using the Council’s One Account. This follows a national trend, with more people choosing online to use services and shop while also paying by card instead of cash for ease and convenience.
Cllr Geoff Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance and Customer Services, said: “The number of people using the Cashier’s payment counters is falling all the time as more residents choose other, easier ways to pay and manage services they receive from the Council. More people than ever are moving online to shop and use day-to-day services while also paying by card, not because they are forced to but because it is a lot more convenient. We know that for some people using other ways to pay can be a challenge, but they shouldn’t worry. Council staff will help residents use the web, pay by direct debit instalments or use the self-service machines at the Cashiers Office. We are adapting our customer services to move with the times while also helping to save money with £30 million of cuts expected from Central Government over the next four years.”
Council services and the different ways that residents can pay for them can be seen below:
• Council tax – Direct debit (set-up online or phone), self-service machines (that accept cash, card), the bank and Allpay
• Housing rent – Direct debit (set-up online or phone), self-service machines (that accept cash, card), Allpay
• Business rates – Direct debit (set-up online or phone), self-service machines (that accept cash, card), the bank and Allpay
• Leaseholder charges – Direct debit (set-up online or phone), self-service machines (that accept cash, card) and the bank
• Housing Benefit (including overpayments) – Direct debit (set-up online or phone), self-service machines (that accept cash, card) and Allpay if a plastic payment card has been arranged
• Parking fines – Online via the parking website, post, phone
• Parking permits – Online via the parking website, post
• Parking visitor vouchers – Online via the parking website, post
The Council has also launched the One Account, which is a free, quick and simple way for residents to use, pay for and manage a host of Council services online. You can find out more about the One Account and can also register for the service by visiting: www.hackney.gov.uk
