A new payment strategy introduced by The Highland Council in April of this year is proving a success, with improving acceptance by customers of the new arrangements that are achieving significant efficiency savings.
Since April, cash and cheque payments of Council Tax, rent, non-domestic rates and debtor invoices were no longer accepted at Service Points or the council headquarters Cash Office.
Instead, the public are paying at a network of more than 340 Post Offices, PayPoints and Payzone outlets and since April, 64,400 payments totalling £6.28 million have been made via these outlets.
Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chairman of The Highland Council's Resources Committee said: "I am delighted with the success of our payment strategy. The change has been handled sensitively and effectively by the Finance Service and the public are thanked for adapting so quickly to the new arrangements.
"Customers welcome the increased convenience of more flexible opening hours and being able to pay at a greater number of locations."
"The new arrangements have also give a boost to small business such as sub post offices who have seen their footfall and turnover increase. Saving the council money and boosting small businesses at the same time in this economic climate has to be good for everyone."