Each year South Hams District Council spends a whopping £35,000 just processing cash and cheque payments.

Councillors have now decided that they would rather use that money to pay for essential services. So from April 1, this year, the council will no longer accept cash or cheque payments at their offices or by post.

Those residents who would like to continue paying their Council Tax by cash or cheque can still do so by taking their bill and method of payment to their local Post Office or PayPoint.

Many residents in the South Hams already pay their Council Tax at the Post Office or at the PayPoint in their local shop. It is a quick and convenient way to pay your Council Tax while you are out and about doing your shopping.

Cllr Hilary Bastone, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Customer First said: “We have decided that this is a lot of money that we would rather spend on essential frontline services, so we would like to encourage more people to use a local Post Office or PayPoint.

"This would not only save us a lot of money, but it supports your local Post Office or shop and it should be more convenient because you don’t have to travel to the council offices.”

To find a local branch, visit the Post Office or PayPoint website and type in your post code. You will then be given a map showing you all of the locations where you can pay. All you need is your Council Tax bill, the piece with the barcode on, and your method of payment.

There are many different ways that residents can pay their Council Tax, they can manage their account online, they can pay by Direct Debit, pay at a PayPoint, or Post Office or through the automated phone line.

All other payments to the Council for items such as parking permits, fines, fees and licences can be paid through the website with a visa or debit card as normal. But as with Council Tax, these payments can no longer be paid by cash or cheque.

For information on how to pay your Council Tax visit www.southams.gov.uk or visit www.paypoint.com or visit www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.