COUNCIL tenants in the Vale of Glamorgan are being advised to arrange to pay their rents by direct debit.

The local council says direct debit is the best way for tenants to pay their rent and readily admits that it is also the cheapest way for the council to take the payments.

Cllr Bronwen Brooks, cabinet member for housing at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, explained: “Some housing tenants, garage tenants and leaseholders still choose to pay their rents over the counter, or by standing order or on-line. We want to encourage more tenants to use the most efficient payment method, which is direct debit.

“Direct debit payments are easy and there is no need to renew them each year, like you do with the old fashioned standing orders. Also changes in rent are made automatically, no need for tenants to contact their bank. Direct debits are secure, because of the direct debit guarantee, which guarantees any incorrect payments are refunded. Using direct debit can also save tenants time and money, as there is no need to make visits to pay points or make phone calls. And of course this is the cheapest way for the council to deal with rent payments – the savings we can make in these times of budget cuts are really important, meaning we can plough the money back into services.”

Tenants can choose from several dates in the month for their rent payment. The council has staff who are happy to help tenants set up direct debit payments, as well as offering financial and budget advice.

Tenants who are interested in changing to direct debit can call 01446 700111 or come into the Civic Offices on Holton Road, Barry.