What is a Direct Debit?

If you have a bank or building society, Direct Debit is a way of paying your bills automatically. Once you have completed a form, the rest of the work is done by us. We ask your bank or building society for your Council Tax or Business Rates instalment each month so you don't to have to worry about remembering to pay it.

What are the benefits to me?

  • A choice of payment dates – 1st, 6th, 10th, 15th, 21st or 28th
  • You can choose to spread your instalments over the full year - usually 12 months from April-March for bills issued at the start of the financial year
  • No late payments, and no reminders or summonses, for debts being paid by Direct Debit
  • You don't have to remember to pay each month
  • No queues at banks or post offices
  • No cheques to write, or cash to carry
  • Protection through the Direct Debit guarantee (Indemnity Scheme)

How does it work?

Once your bank or building society have accepted that a Direct Debit can be paid from your account, we ask them for the instalment amount each month. We then do all the work.

We notify you of your payments for the year, i.e. amounts and dates, at least 10 days before the first payment is due to come out of your bank or building society account.

We will tell you about any changes to your payments at least 10 days before your next payment is due.  The 10 day period allows you enough time to query or (if required) cancel your Direct Debit.

Do many people pay by this method?

Yes! Over 46,000 people in Waltham Forest already pay their Council Tax or Business Rates by Direct Debit.  Almost 32 million people in Great Britain now use Direct Debit with the average household paying 6 bills by this method.

Why should I change the way I pay my Council Tax or Business Rates?

The council is committed to providing the most efficient collection service that we can. Therefore we prefer people to pay by Direct Debit as it is the cheapest and most effective method for the council to collect Council Tax and Business Rates. The benefits of these savings and efficient collection come back to you in the form of better services and lower council tax.

If you want, you can also choose to spread your payments over the full year - usually 12 months from April-March for bills issued at the start of the financial year

Are there any guarantees?

  • Yes! Paying your Council Tax or Business Rates by Direct Debit guarantees you an immediate refund if we make an error
  • You are free to cancel at any time, and you will be advised at least 10 days in advance of any changes
  • The Direct Debit guarantee is shown below and explains exactly what control and protection you have over the Direct Debit

How do I change to Direct Debit?

It's easy - just phone Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 or fill in the appropriate form below:

The Direct Debit Indemnity Scheme: Your guarantee

  • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits
  • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit the London Borough of Waltham Forest will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request the London Borough of Waltham Forest to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request
  • If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by the London Borough of Waltham Forest or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society
  • If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when the London Borough of Waltham Forest asks you to
  • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us

More Information