Bill of improvement

Barcoded bills are being introduced in Hertsmere to help make it much easier for residents to pay.

In October Hertsmere Borough Council will start to introduce the system, which means people who prefer to pay by cash will be able to do so anywhere there is a PayPoint outlet.

The changes are part of a programme of improvements the council is making to the way it process bills and benefits payments.

Cllr John Graham, portfolio holder for finance, explained: “As with any computer system they always have a shelf-life and become outdated, so after 13 years it was time to replace our existing software.

"The changes we are making to the systems we use for council tax, business rates and housing benefit payments will speed up the processing of claims, increase efficiency and improve the way customers can interact with the council online.”

The introduction of barcoded bills will offer more convenience for customers, giving greater choice as to where and when payments can be made. There are more than 40 PayPoint places in Hertsmere where you will be able to pay, as well as thousands more UK-wide. 

While the switch to the new system happens, it does mean that from now until 3 October:

• no changes can be made to existing benefits claims, or council tax / business rates accounts  
• no new benefits claims or council tax / business rates accounts can be set up  
• registration and access to online council tax and business rates account information will be temporarily unavailable.

Housing benefit claims already agreed will still be paid as normal. Payments towards council tax, business rates and sundry debts will still be accepted.

Claims and amendments that come in from now until the 3 October will be held and be processed in date order thereafter. This means there will be a delay in processing information for a short time and we apologise in advance for any temporary inconvenience this may cause.