Frequently Asked Questions
Answers
Is it safe to pay over the internet?
The London Borough of Bexley has taken steps to ensure that any data you enter is encrypted to
current industry standards. No one can intercept the payment information we send
to you or you send to us. Your credit or debit card details will be sent directly
from your browser to the secure payment system and will not go through any Bexley
Council system.
The secure payment system uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, a standard
supported by the major internet browsers. All of your personal and card details are
protected by using 128-bit encryption when transmitted over the Internet.
We also now support Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode. For more information
about this, please see our Payment Security page.
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Who
provides this service?
This service is provided by the London Borough of Bexley. It is a secure,
fully integrated online payments facility. The secure server environment where
your payment authorisation is processed is managed by Capita plc, a recognised
specialist in providing this type of service.
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When
will my payment be processed?
Once your payment has been approved your credit or debit card will be charged.
Payments will usually appear on your Bexley account/invoice/fine within two working
days.
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What
cards do you accept?
The London Borough of Bexley is able to accept payments from:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Visa Delta
- Switch/Maestro
- Solo
Please note: We do not accept American Express or Diners Club
cards.
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What
services can I pay online?
Currently, you can pay:
- Council Tax (but not using a credit card)
- Business Rates (NNDR - but not using a credit card)
- Parking Fines
- General charges and services where a London Borough of Bexley invoice has
been received
- Mortgages (but not using a credit card)
- Commercial Rents (but not using a credit card)
- Housing Benefit Overpayments
- A range of other services such as Building Control Fees
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What
if my card is refused?
Cards are not refused by the London Borough of Bexley - they are refused by
your card provider. There are many reasons why this may happen and we suggest
contacting your card provider directly.
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What
if I experience problems?
If you have waited for confirmation that your payment has been accepted and this
has not been received or you have received an error message, your transaction may
have experienced technical problems. Please wait five minutes, then check again to
see if you have received the confirmation e-mail. If not, it is best not to
try again without contacting us first, as your transaction may have been
successful the first time so you could make a duplicate payment.
If the problem persists, please contact Online Payments Customer Services at webpay@bexley.gov.uk.
Please do not send your card details by e-mail.
If you do not have access to email then please contact the help line, on 020 8294 6200
during office hours of 8.30-17.30.
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What
if Internet Payments do not work?
If you cannot get into the payments page when you click on "Enter card
details...",
this may be because your browser does not support 128-bit encryption. You are
therefore prevented from making a payment since anything less than 128-bit
is not considered safe. If you're not able to pay online, you could use our
automated TouchTone payment line instead - just call 020
8294 6789 at any time
of day or night to make a payment.
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Do I need to use any new software?
You may need to download a browser which supports High Encryption to use our online
transactions service. This is generally a free download.
Find out more about 128-bit encryption on our Security
page.
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Can I have a receipt?
You will receive a confirmation of your payment on your screen after the payment
is made. This can be printed as confirmation of payment.
If you have provided an e-mail address you will receive an e-mail receipt that
also confirms a payment has been successfully processed.
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When will my account or invoice be updated with my payment?
If you are making a payment in respect of an account or an invoice then the account or invoice will be updated to reflect your payment within two working days.
Parking fine payments are processed the next working day after your payment is received.
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What other methods are available to make payments to
the Council?
By 24-hour TouchTone Telephone Payment Service
Dial 020 8294 6789 and follow the instructions to make an automated payment using your TouchTone telephone, at any time of day or night. Payments can be made using your debit card for all services and your credit card for some. (The credit card exclusions are the same as those mentioned above.)
By Post
Please make cheques payable to Bexley Council. Enter your invoice
number or account number on the back of the cheque. Please also enclose the tear-off
slip, which provides details of the payment being made. Post these to the Cashier's
Office, Town Hall, Erith, Kent DA8 1TL. No receipts will be issued for postal remittances
unless a written request is made at the time of payment and a stamped addressed envelope
is provided. Cash should not be sent through the post.
At a Cash Office
Payment by cash, cheque, credit or debit card can be made at the
Cashiers Office, Town Hall, Erith, Kent
between the hours of 8.45am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
By Credit Transfer
Payment can be made by cash or cheque, free of charge, at any NatWest
bank within the borough. Please take the relevant documentation with you, including
your Bexley invoice/account number.
Payment can be made at any other bank or building society although a fee may be
charged.
If payment is made by National Giro, please quote Girobank Account Number 3576752
in addition to your account number.
The Council cannot accept responsibility for any delay arising from this
method of payment.
At a Post Office
Payment can be made at the Post Office. Take the relevant documentation to the
Post Office and complete a Bank Giro Credit slip supplied by the Post Office or attached
to your invoice. Please ensure that you have allowed three days for the payment to
reach the Council's bank. Post Office Counters Ltd will make a standard payment
charge for the transaction.
The council cannot accept responsibility for any delay arising from this
method of payment.
By Telephone/Internet Banking
Payment can be made by telephone banking. You must quote your Bexley
account number and the following Council Bank Details:
- Sort Code: 51-70-14
- Bank Account Number: 21101183
By Credit and Debit Card
Payment can be made by both credit and debit card either at
the Cash Office, Town Hall, Erith or
by telephoning
020 8294 6244 during normal office
hours, which are 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Direct Debit
Payment can be made by Direct Debit for certain services. Please
telephone the Bexley contact named on your documentation on 020 8303
7777 and the extension shown for further details.
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How do I know if I am using a Secure Site?
In most web browsers, you should look for a padlock icon when you are in the 'Making Payments on line' view.
For more information about site security, please look
at our Payment Security page.
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Does it cost me any extra?
No. For instance, if you are paying a bill of £200, your card will be charged £200.
If you have any problems or queries regarding using Online Payments (or our TouchTone Payment service) please contact
Online Payments Customer Services by e-mail on webpay@bexley.gov.uk
or telephone 020 8294 6200 between 8.30 and 17.30, Monday to Friday. |
