The facility - which can be accessed via the council's website at www.york.gov.uk/payments - can be used to settle council tax payments, business rates, rent, debtors invoices (where invoices have been sent out for goods and services provided by the council) and housing benefit overpayments. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In line with the e-government agenda, City of York Council is committed to offering local residents improved access to services provided by the council through its easy@york programme. This involves harnessing the very latest technology to give people more choice in how they communicate with the council. The introduction of the on-line payment facility, which was up and running by December 31, enabled the council to meet its e-government targets for 2005.
Allan Barton, head of the council's cashiers section, explained: "Anyone accessing the on-line payments service should find it really straight forward and user friendly. It is much quicker than sending payments by post and is perfect for those with busy lifestyles who don't have time to telephone or visit council offices during the working day. We see this as a really welcome addition to the services that the council provides."
Step-by-step instructions on how to use the on-line facility are provided, but support is available to anyone accessing this service for the first time who experiences difficulties. Those who need further guidance can call (01904) 551146 between 8.30am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.
Quelle: eGov monitor, 13.03.2006
