Page content section :
FAQ : Frequently asked questions
You can use the FAQ section of the website to help you find answers to commonly asked questions.
Once you have read these FAQs please return to the payment card section of the payments page.
Payment cards
FAQ : Why are you sending me this card?
A : Adur Council is introducing a new scheme that provides you with a more choices on how and when you pay your housing rent, garage rent and council tax.
With
the payment card you will also be able to make payments at any Post Office
in the United Kingdom as well as any PayPoint outlets.
Most PayPoint outlets are shops and small supermarkets so you can make payments during weekends or evenings and are not restricted to office hours.
A list of local outlets is printed on the back of the card carrier letter or is available on the council’s payment card section of the payments page.
FAQ : How do I use the swipecard?
A : It's easy.
When you go to pay, hand your card to the Post Office or PayPoint outlet.
They will ask what payment you want to make - housing rent, council tax, garage rent, service charges or sundry. (Service charges and sundry are not yet in use.)
Tell them what you want to pay, how much, and hand over the payment.
They will swipe your card through and give you your card back with a receipt for what you've paid.
Always remember to get a receipt from the cashier and check it. Keep it safe, it's your proof of payment.
FAQ : Can I continue to pay the council in the same way I do now?
A
: The council’s preferred option for receiving any payments is by Direct
Debit. It is the easiest and cheapest way for the council to collect payments.
Payments can still be made at the cash office, or by post, or on our web site www. adur.gov.uk/payments or by internet banking etc.,
Payment cards are an extra means of making payments.
FAQ : Can I pay rent and council tax at the same time?
A : You can pay your house rent, council tax and/or garage rent at the same visit. The card will be swiped for each payment and you will be issued with a receipt for each transaction.
FAQ : Will I still have a house or garage rent card?
A : Yes. For the present time it will still be possible to pay using your rent card at the council cash offices. You can also use your swipe card at all Post Offices and PayPoint outlets.
FAQ : Will I still have council tax payment slips?
A : No. Council tax payment slips are being phased out. If you continue to make payments via the council’s cash office, the council tax account will be receipted on the back.
FAQ : Will it cost me anything to use this card?
A : No. There is no charge made by either the Post Office or PayPoint when you pay with your card.
FAQ : Will my Post Office or PayPoint receipt show the balance on my rent account?
A : No. The Post Office and PayPoint outlets cannot hold account balances. The council will be introducing tenants’ on-line services from February 2007 which will enable rent payers to look up their balances via Adur tenants' on-line services. This will require a PIN that we will issue when you register on-line as well as a password of your choice. Further details will be issued as the facility becomes operational.
FAQ : When will payment be credited to my account?
A : If you pay at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet in the United Kingdom, your payment will be credited to your account within four working days.
FAQ : How will I know how much to pay?
A : In March each year we will write to tell you how much your weekly rent or council tax will be for the coming year. If your payment requirements change we will also write to you to let you know how much you need to pay.
FAQ : What if my payments change?
A : When there's a change, for example if you are awarded Housing or Council Tax Benefit, we will send you a letter telling you how much your new payments will be. You can then use your card to pay them.
FAQ : Will you send me a new swipe card every year?
A : No. You won't need one every year. It should last you at least five years, so keep it safe.
FAQ : What if I lose my swipe card?
A : Just tell your local area housing office, cash office or HelpPoint. They will arrange for a replacement to be sent to you. You may have to pay for this.
FAQ : What happens if my account number changes?
A : If you are a housing tenant and move home within the district we will set up a new account number and send you a new swipe card. Please make sure you use the new card and destroy the old one.
If you are only paying council tax with your card, you retain the same account number and should continue to use the same card.
FAQ : Must I pay at the same Post Office every time?
A : No, you can pay at any Post Office in the UK. Most are open Monday to Friday and also Saturday mornings.
FAQ : What if I can't get out to pay?
A : Anyone can pay for you. They just take your card and payment to any Post Office or PayPoint outlet. Please ensure they use your payment card. They will get a receipt - the payment card number is shown on the receipt. Please check the amount paid and keep it safe - it's your proof of payment.
You (or a friend or relative) can also pay with debit or credit card on our website.
FAQ : What if I'm having problems paying?
A : If you have problems paying any of your charges, contact your local office, Benefits or Council Tax Office. They can advise you about applying for Housing Benefit.
FAQ : Why have I been sent extra an card(s) with printed garage address
A : If you have more than one garage you will be sent a separate card for each additional garage. The garage address will be shown on the additional cards, and must only be used to pay that garage rent.
If none of these answer your question(s) then please contact :
- The Head of Financial Services - see contact details
- Council business matters, Tel : (01273) 263000 or send a general enquiry e-mail
- Website matters : Webmaster
