Benefits of paying by Direct Debit
Setting up a Direct Debit for your Council Tax is the easiest way to pay your bill.
By choosing to pay by Direct Debit, you can:
- choose a payment date
- pay over 10 or 12 monthly instalments
- get 10 working days notice of any changes - for example, if there's a change in the amount or frequency of the payments
Paying by Direct Debit is also efficient, meaning lower collection costs and lower Council Tax rises.
You are also covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee. This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.
How to set up a Direct Debit
There are different ways to set up a Direct Debit depending on the area you live in:
After you have set up a Direct Debit
You will get a confirmation of the amount and date your payments will come out when you submit your request.
If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by us or your bank or building society, then you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.
If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when we ask you to.
How to cancel your Direct Debit
You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. You should also contact us and let us know.
Other methods of payment
If you are unable to set up a Direct Debit there are other ways you can pay your Council Tax bill.
Pay online
To pay online you will need your:
- Council Tax reference number (8 digits long)
- Debit card (we do not accept credit cards)
You will need to choose the online payment link in the area you live in:
Pay by phone
Our telephone payment services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
You will need your debit card and Council Tax details ready when you call.
We will tell you the authorisation number at the end of the call. You may want to make a note of this.
Barrow area
Customer Services assisted telephone payments: 0300 373 3300
Automated telephone service: 0845 603 1510 - calls cost a maximum of 7 pence per minute plus your telephone company's network access charge
Eden area
Telephone: 0300 456 2729
South Lakeland area
Telephone: 0300 373 3300 - Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm
Automated telephone service: 01539 263 460
Pay at the Post Office or a PayPoint
You can pay bills at any Post Office or a PayPoint outlet.
Change how you pay or how often you pay
If you live in the former Eden area, you can ask to change how you make your payments or the frequency of your payments: Online form for Council Tax change of instalments / payment method