Council to go cashless
From Monday 11 May the council will no longer be taking cash at any of its offices.
At present, MyCouncil on the High Street takes cash payments for a number of council services, including council tax, rents, business rates and taxi licensing.
But from Monday 11 May, residents will have to pay by card – online, at a kiosk or via the telephone payment line – or by direct debit.
The move is part of the transformation of the council; an on-going programme which is improving and modernising council systems, processes and interactions with residents, placing resources where they are most needed and making it easier for people to access the services they need.
Joe Carter, director of transformation, said: “In these modern times, where many people don’t even carry cash on a daily basis, having people needing to come into town and into our offices, only on weekdays and between certain hours to pay bills is ridiculously old-fashioned.
“Slough has the youngest average population in the whole country and very few people don’t have a phone these days. With the alternative payment methods residents and businesses will be able to pay 24 hours a day, seven days a week, choosing a time convenient for them.”
He added: “We understand some people don’t wish to use direct debit for numerous reasons, but paying online or by phone is quick and easy and will save people a large amount of time.
“We obviously continue to need people’s money; we just don’t want their cash.”
An information and awareness campaign for residents will be running between now and when the cash services cease.
At present, MyCouncil on the High Street takes cash payments for a number of council services, including council tax, rents, business rates and taxi licensing.
But from Monday 11 May, residents will have to pay by card – online, at a kiosk or via the telephone payment line – or by direct debit.
The move is part of the transformation of the council; an on-going programme which is improving and modernising council systems, processes and interactions with residents, placing resources where they are most needed and making it easier for people to access the services they need.
Joe Carter, director of transformation, said: “In these modern times, where many people don’t even carry cash on a daily basis, having people needing to come into town and into our offices, only on weekdays and between certain hours to pay bills is ridiculously old-fashioned.
“Slough has the youngest average population in the whole country and very few people don’t have a phone these days. With the alternative payment methods residents and businesses will be able to pay 24 hours a day, seven days a week, choosing a time convenient for them.”
He added: “We understand some people don’t wish to use direct debit for numerous reasons, but paying online or by phone is quick and easy and will save people a large amount of time.
“We obviously continue to need people’s money; we just don’t want their cash.”
An information and awareness campaign for residents will be running between now and when the cash services cease.
