Direct Debit, The Easy Way To Pay

What is Direct Debit?

The organization you are paying, i.e. the Council, presents a request for payment to your bank or building society and the money is deducted from your account.

How do I set up a Direct Debit?

It's easy, you can either complete and return a form telling your bank or building society to make direct payments to the Council for your rent or you can call us and we can the arrange whole thing over the phone. Your bank or building society then debit your account each month as they have been instructed.

What's the advantage of paying by Direct Debit?

• Cheaper
  It's FREE for you to set-up, and it saves us money too as it costs much less for us to process than any other payment method

• Easier
  Unless you cancel it, the direct debit will continue each year without you needing to update it. So, no need to go out in the cold to pay the rent anymore, it's all sorted. Over 40% of residents pay their rent by Direct Debit, making it the most popular way to pay

• Better homes
  The money we save by people using Direct Debit is put back into the housing fund, to pay for repairs and other works to your home

• Better service
  There's less administration needed with Direct Debit, so our staff have more time to deal with other, more important issues

• No worries
  Simply set it up and forget about it. You will receive written confirmation of how much and when each payment will be taken from your bank account

• Help with arrears
  Direct Debit can help if you have any arrears, by repaying them in instalments along with your rent.

How safe is Direct Debit?

Direct debiting was designed by banks to keep customers fully protected. Only approved organizations are allowed to operate direct debiting and the only payments that can be made from your account are those which you have instructed your bank or building society to make. It costs nothing to set up and can be cancelled simply by writing to your building society or bank.

We are now able to set up your Direct Debit arrangement over the phone - no need for you to fill in a form! So if you want to get on with your life, rather than worrying about paying the rent, call the Income Team today, see the contact details on this page, and ask about paying by Direct Debit. If you would like to download a Direct Debit form to complete and return select the link below.

Direct Debit Form [319kb] (opens in a new window)

Notes

Remember that all Direct Debits are covered by the following guarantee:

The Direct Debit Guarantee

• This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. The efficiency and security of the Scheme is monitored and protected by your own Bank or Building Society.

• If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change Borough of Poole will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

• If an error is made by Borough of Poole or your Bank or Building Society you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch, of the amount paid.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at anytime by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please also send a copy of the letter to us.