MORE places to pay your council tax are being offered to West Devon Borough Council residents, with the introduction of the option to pay your bill at any PayPoint outlet.

A barcode on the bottom of the bill can be scanned by any outlet with the PayPoint logo to allow them to accept a cash payment towards your Council Tax.

The barcode can be used in any Post Office in place of the old yellow payment cards which have now been phased out.

This change has been made to improve council efficiency by saving money on transaction costs and on the production of the payment cards, while still maintaining and improving the service provided to the 4,200 residents previously using the cards.

Residents who still hold a card have been advised to destroy the card or return it to the council.

The leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Philip Sanders, said: 'The council is keen to ensure that we keep pace with modern technology whilst still providing a personal service if residents wish to use it.

'In the case of council tax payments we are trying to ensure that people can choose from a variety of methods of payment whilst at the same time ensuring that our costs reduce rather than increase.

'The changes outlined above enable us to do this and make life easier for all our residents.'

If you want to make paying your council tax even easier you can sign up to direct debit.

This still remains the most cost effective way to make payment and you never have to worry about a late payment again. There are no forms to fill in, simply call the council on 01822 616939.

If you wish to pay by debit or credit card this can be done 24 hours a day by using the online payments facility on the council's website or by calling the automated payment line on 08450758554.

If you would like to speak to an officer please call customer services on 01822 616939 during opening hours. Credit card users face a 1% additional charge on transactions.

All payment methods available are detailed on the back of Council Tax bills.