A review has taken place into the way Tendring District Council (TDC) collects its cash from residents with an improved method under consideration.

The aim is to enhance the service by vastly increasing the number of outlets, support local businesses and make vital savings.

The Council is investigating all the different options and has come up with a number of potential solutions which include more for less.

At least one of these will save £75,000 a year and radically improve the offer to customers by giving them the chance to use more than 40 outlets - which will also benefit by more people using their shops.

There are currently just four Council cash offices accepting money from residents and this can lead to long queues at busy times.

TDC's Cabinet will be asked to consider the options when it meets early in the New Year.
Giles Watling, TDC's Cabinet Member for Benefits and Revenues, said that the Council has had to look at the way it provides all its services as part of efforts to save £4.4 million over the next three years.

He has put forward a proposal which not only enables residents to pay Council bills free of charge across the District but will also help to support Post Offices and 40 business outlets and save the Council money.

"There is always a difficult balance to be struck between making savings and providing the best possible service to our customers," he said.

"However, we feel we can achieve that whilst also boosting small businesses at the same time. It is a win, win situation."

The favoured proposal would be offered through partner suppliers in place of the four cash offices in Clacton, Frinton, Harwich and Weeley.

The closure of these offices would be phased over a period to ensure that customers can get used to the new arrangements.

There will be an initial cost to set up the system but it will then save £75,000 per year from the second year onwards.

TDC collects its payments in a number of ways including online.

"We need to continue to be successful in collecting the money owed to us and at the same time provide a service which suits our customers' needs," added Cllr Watling.

"The Cabinet will make its choice on the way forward at a meeting in January."

20/12/11