Paying Your Rent

Universal Credit

You are responsible for paying your rent to us if your benefit changes to Universal Credit, please use one of the methods below.

Further information about universal credit

Whichever way you make your payments you must use your ten-digit unique payment reference number. You will find it on your quarterly rent statement or any rent letters we've sent you. Contact us if you don’t know your reference number.

Online payment

Pay Online

You can pay online with a debit card or credit card.

Select 'Council Rent' from the drop-down menu. Have your payment reference ready.

Santander BillPay

Even if you don’t use online banking you can pay your rent online using Santander BillPay. It’s quick and easy to set up, totally secure and there are no charges. This service is for debit cards only - credit cards are not accepted.

If you use internet or phone banking you can pay your rent online through your own bank account.

Please note - The Council is looking to remove this payment method by the end of the financial year. The new 'Pay Online' method will operate in the same way as the BillPay option. It will not require rekeying of information as per the previous HSBC Online payment method.

Direct Debit

A direct debit is the easiest way to pay your rent. Once the direct debit is set up, your rent money will be taken automatically from your bank account on the first of each month or fortnightly. 

Standing order

You can set up a standing order for a fixed amount and date to pay your rent. You must remember to tell your bank if your rent changes.

You'll need to submit our bank details when you set your standing order up:

• Account Number: 21006622
• Sort Code: 40-13-07
• Your rent payment reference

Rent payment card

You can pay your rent at any post office free of charge using a rent payment swipe card. Contact us to request a card.

Telephone

You can pay your rent by card using our automated service on 0330 088 7966. There is no charge for using a debit card but you will be charged £2.50 for a credit card payment.

When the payment is complete you’ll get a payment receipt reference number. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you use a credit card to pay your rent and do not pay your credit card bill, your bank will charge you interest.

Help and advice  

To find out how much rent you owe or get more advice on paying your rent please call us on 01202 451915. Please remember that payments may take up to 5 working days to reach us.