06/04/2020
Managing your local council bills is an essential part of keeping your finances in order, whether you're a resident, a business owner, or a self-employed individual like a taxi driver in Bristol. The Bristol City Council offers a variety of methods to ensure you can pay your dues conveniently and efficiently. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each option, providing clear instructions and crucial tips to help you settle your invoices, council tax, business rates, and more without a hitch. Understanding these processes is key to avoiding delays and ensuring your payments are always accounted for.
The Power of Phone Payments: Your 24-Hour Gateway
For many, the quickest and most straightforward way to pay a Bristol City Council bill is via their dedicated 24-hour automated payment service. This system allows you to settle various types of invoices from the comfort of your home or on the go, making it an incredibly flexible option for those with busy schedules. To use this service, simply dial 0117 903 6402. You'll need a valid credit or debit card ready, as the system accepts Visa, MasterCard, Switch, and Delta cards. The process is guided by voice prompts, and you'll use your phone's keypad to input information. Remember, your payment is only processed once you receive a confirmation, so if you need to stop at any point, simply hang up.
Step-by-Step Phone Payment Guide:
- Select Your Service: The automated system will first ask you to identify which service you intend to pay for. Listen carefully to the options provided and select the corresponding number. This includes choices for Council Tax, Business Rates, Penalty Charge Notices (PCN), Housing Rent, Housing Benefit Overpayments, and general Bristol City Council invoices. For PCNs, you'll specifically choose between notices beginning with 'BS' (select 1) or 'OB' (select 2).
- Enter Your Reference Number: This is arguably the most critical step. Each type of bill has a unique reference number format that the system uses to identify your account. Accuracy here is paramount.
| Bill Type | Reference Format | Keying Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Council Tax | 11 or 13 digit account number (starts with 1 or 2, usually all numeric) | Replace any letters with the * button. |
| Business Rates (NNDR) | 11 or 13 digit account number (starts with 5, usually all numeric) | Replace any letters with the * button. |
| Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) | 10 digit notice number (starts with BS or OB followed by 8 numbers) | Replace any letters (BS or OB) with the * button. |
| Housing Rent | 8 digit PIN or 14 digit account number (found on yellow Housing Payment swipe card, below tenant's name) | Enter as is. |
| Housing Benefit Overpayments | 6 digit invoice number (from your invoice, not claim reference) | Enter as is. |
| Bristol City Council Invoices (General) | 10 digit invoice number (top right of your invoice) | Replace any letters with the * button. |
The system will take a few seconds to validate your reference. If it's not recognised, you won't be able to proceed. You'll have the option to re-enter it if you believe you made a mistake. This validation step is crucial for ensuring your payment reaches the correct account.
- Input Your Payment Amount: You will then be prompted to enter the amount you wish to pay. Use the * button to separate pounds and pence (e.g., for £10.50, you might enter 10*50).
- Provide Card Details: Finally, you'll be asked for your credit or debit card details. This includes the card number, expiry date, and security code.
The system will then seek authorisation for your payment. If authorisation is refused, no transaction will take place. It's important to note that the refusal comes from your bank, not Bristol City Council. There are various reasons for this, so if it happens, your best course of action is to contact your bank directly. If successful, you'll be advised that authorisation was successful. While the payment is immediate from your end, please allow up to five working days for it to clear and appear on your account, depending on your bank.
Regarding call charges, calls to 0117 903 6402 are charged at the local rate. However, rates can vary, especially from payphones, so it's always wise to check with your phone provider if you have concerns.
Beyond the Phone: A Multitude of Payment Avenues
While the phone service offers great convenience, Bristol City Council provides several other robust methods for paying your bills, catering to different preferences and situations. These options ensure that everyone can find a payment method that suits their needs.
Online Payments and Account Management:
For many council services, particularly Council Tax and Housing Rent, setting up an online account is a highly recommended approach. This digital portal offers a secure and efficient way to manage your bills and payments.
- Council Tax Online: By registering or logging into your online account, you can view your bills, receive email notifications for new statements, see previous payments, and even opt for e-bills instead of paper ones. You'll need your Council Tax account number, typically an 11 or 13-digit number found on your bill or reminder. Online payments generally take up to 48 hours to show on your account, while payments made at a Post Office can take up to 5 days. If a payment doesn't appear after these times, it's advisable to contact the council.
- Housing Rent Online: For housing rent, you can pay directly online using your 8-digit reference number, found on your account statement, rent increase letter, invoice, or arrears letter. Using the correct reference is crucial to avoid delays in payments showing on your rent account. You can also sign up for a Bristol Account to check your rent balance and other housing payments online, providing a clear overview of your financial standing with the council.
Direct Debit: The Hassle-Free Automatic Payment
For regular payments like housing rent or council tax, setting up a Direct Debit is often the most convenient and reliable method. It ensures your payments are made automatically on time, reducing the risk of missed payments and potential penalties. Direct Debits are covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee, offering peace of mind that your payments are secure and you're protected in case of errors.
To set up a Direct Debit for rent, you'll typically need your bank or building society name and address, account number, name of the account holder, and branch sort code. You can fill out a form (often a downloadable PDF from the council's website) and post it, or visit a Citizen Service Point with your bank details to complete the form there. For housing rent, you can choose to pay monthly or weekly, with monthly payments allowing you to select a payment date between the 1st and 28th of the month. Payments are always made in advance. Your monthly payment is calculated to ensure your rent account is clear by the end of the financial year (March 31).
Standing Orders and Internet Banking:
Similar to Direct Debits but giving you more control, standing orders and direct internet banking transfers are viable options, particularly for housing rent. With a standing order, you instruct your bank to make regular payments to the council. You'll need to fill out a standing order form and send it directly to your bank, informing the council of the start date and amount. Any changes to the standing order must be made directly with your bank. Again, using your 8-digit rent account reference number is essential for correct allocation.
For internet banking, you can sign in to your bank's website and make a payment. You'll need your 8-digit rent account reference number, along with Bristol City Council's sort code (560005) and account number (41322282). As with all methods requiring a reference, omitting or incorrectly entering this number will cause significant delays in your payment being credited to your account.
Mobile and App Payments:
Keeping pace with modern technology, Bristol City Council also facilitates payments through mobile applications and text messages, primarily for housing rent:
- Allpay App: You can download the Allpay app for Apple or Android devices (available from iTunes Preview and Google Play). This app provides a simple interface for making payments on the go.
- Text Message: By registering on the Allpayments.text website with your debit or credit card and swipe card details, you can make payments via text message, offering another quick payment solution.
In-Person Payments:
For those who prefer face-to-face transactions or need to pay with cash, several in-person options are available:
- Post Office or PayPoint: You can make rent payments at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet using your housing payment swipe card. This service is free of charge, but allow up to four working days for payments to reach your account.
- Citizen Service Point: The council's Citizen Service Point allows you to pay by debit or credit card. While cash payments for rent are currently not accepted at this location, other payment methods remain available. There is no charge for using a debit or credit card here.
Credit Unions:
Community-based financial organisations like credit unions can also assist with managing your rent payments. They offer services such as savings accounts, bill payments, and budgeting advice, and can help set up automated rent payments. For instance, Great Western Credit Union can be contacted on 0117 924 7309 for more information.
Troubleshooting Common Payment Issues
Even with clear instructions, issues can sometimes arise. Knowing how to address them quickly can save you time and stress.
- Payment Not Showing: If you've made a payment online and it hasn't appeared on your account after 48 hours, or after 5 days for Post Office payments, it's important to contact Bristol City Council directly. Provide them with your payment details and reference number so they can investigate.
- Card Refused: As mentioned, if your credit or debit card is refused during a phone or online payment, the refusal comes from your bank, not the council. Reasons can vary from insufficient funds to security blocks. The best course of action is to contact your bank immediately to resolve the issue.
- Incorrect Reference Number: The reference number is paramount for allocating your payment correctly. If the automated system doesn't recognise your reference, you'll be prompted to re-enter it. If you realise you've made a mistake after the payment has gone through, contact the council as soon as possible with both the incorrect and correct reference numbers. While they will do their best to reallocate the payment, it can cause significant delays.
- Understanding Payment Clearing Times: Always factor in the clearing times mentioned (up to 5 working days for card payments, 48 hours for online, 5 days for Post Office). Making payments close to a deadline means you should use a method with a faster clearing time or pay well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for my payment to clear and show on my Bristol City Council account?
Online payments typically take up to 48 hours to show on your account. Payments made over the phone via credit or debit card can take up to five working days to clear, depending on your bank. Payments made at a Post Office or PayPoint outlet can also take up to five working days to appear on your account. Always factor these times in, especially if you're paying close to a deadline.
What should I do if my credit or debit card is refused during a payment?
If your card is refused, it means your bank has declined the transaction, not Bristol City Council. There could be various reasons for this, such as insufficient funds, a daily spending limit, or a security flag on your account. You should contact your bank directly to understand why the payment was declined and resolve the issue before attempting to pay again.
Can I get a copy of my Bristol City Council Tax bill?
Yes, you can. The easiest way to access a copy of your Council Tax bill is by registering for or logging into your online Council Tax account. Once logged in, you can view your current and past bills digitally. If you are unable to access your online account or prefer a different method, you would need to contact Bristol City Council's Council Tax department directly to request a copy.
What happens if I enter the wrong reference number when making a payment?
If you enter an incorrect reference number, the automated phone system will attempt to validate it. If it's not recognised, you'll be given the option to re-enter it. If a payment goes through with an incorrect but valid reference (e.g., belonging to someone else's account), it can cause significant delays and complications. It's crucial to double-check your reference number before confirming any payment. If you realise you've made a mistake after the payment, contact Bristol City Council's relevant department (e.g., Council Tax, Housing) as soon as possible with both the incorrect and correct reference numbers so they can try to reallocate the payment.
Can I pay my housing rent weekly by Direct Debit?
Yes, for housing rent, Bristol City Council offers the flexibility to pay either monthly or weekly via Direct Debit. If you choose to pay monthly, you can also select a preferred payment date between the 1st and 28th of the month to align with your income. Direct Debit payments are always made in advance, ensuring your account remains up-to-date.
Conclusion
Bristol City Council provides a comprehensive suite of payment options designed to make managing your bills as straightforward as possible. From the round-the-clock convenience of phone payments to the automated ease of Direct Debits and the flexibility of online accounts, there's a method to suit every individual's needs. By understanding the processes, especially the critical role of accurate reference numbers, and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues, you can ensure your payments are always timely and correctly allocated. Keeping your council accounts in good standing is not just a legal obligation but also contributes to the smooth running of essential local services.
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