Frequently Asked Questions

Many council bills and invoices can now be paid by Direct Debit. If you have a bank or building society current account this is often the easiest way to pay. Some services may also offer payment by Standing Order as an alternative.

For details of which bills can be paid by Direct Debit and to how to set one up please see our Direct Debit page.

Unfortunately not. All payments need the barcode to ensure your payment gets to your account and outlets will be unable to process your payment without it.

No. You are fully protected by the guarantee which states that we must advise you in advance of changes to the amounts and the due dates.

If you pay by cheque or debit card you should retain your receipt until the payment shows as paid on your bank statement. If you pay by cash we recommend you keep your receipt until you next confirm your balance, or until your next bill arrives, or for 12 months, whichever is soonest.

Payments will usually take two working days to reach your account (i.e. excluding Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays), so please make sure you pay in good time, before your Council Tax, Business Rates, Rent or invoice is due.

If you ever have any queries about your Council Tax or Business Rates balance or payments simply telephone usl on 01530 454545 or e-mail us at customer.services@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.

For housing enquiries please call 01530 454635 or e-mail rent.accounting@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

No. Standing Orders require you to change the amount each time your payments change. With Direct Debit the amount changes automatically, even from year to year and you are protected by the guarantee.

Banks and post offices often charge bill payers an administration fee for accepting payments made using a payment book or giro credit.

When paying with barcoded bills there will be no charge for customers paying by cash, cheque or debit card at post offices and no charge for paying by cash at PayPoint outlets.

Barcoded bills also generally offer a wider choice of payment locations and opening times.

Simply contact us and we will arrange for a replacement to be sent.