Rent and council tax payments can still be made in cash across Bathgate officials have said following concerns about a service shutting.
Housing officers moved to quell concerns raised by local councillor Willie Boyle at the proposed removal of the payment office within the town’s Jim Walker Partnership building on South Bridge Street.
A spokesperson for the council said customers would have no shortage of options to make payments.
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The partnership building has returned to almost full use following the pandemic lockdown, with services being delivered face to face across a range of council operations.
At a recent meeting of Bathgate’s local area committee, Councillor Boyle warned many people would “struggle to engage” if the rent and council tax payment service was removed.
Douglas Benson, a regeneration officer for the council told the meeting that from February 1, 2023 to April 30 2023, 4,448 payment transactions were made and £644,313.49 in income taken.
Councillor Boyle asked for a survey of numbers to be taken once the service was removed adding: “I have had a lot of interest in this from constituents regarding the loss of the service.”
He did not expect there to be vast numbers but added that a lot of people “ just can’t connect” with online systems.
He said: “I don’t expect there to be vast numbers but there will be people who struggle to engage with modern technology. If we don’t measure it in some way I think we’re doing a disservice to vulnerable groups in the community.”
A council spokesperson was keen to reassure customers, pointing to other independent sites where cash payments can be made.
They added: “Although the payment office within the Jim Walker Partnership Centre is being removed, customers will not be short of options to make payments.
“Customers can continue to pay their council tax and rent at any PayPoint outlet or post office. There are six registered PayPoint outlets within a quarter mile radius of Bathgate Partnership Centre where customers can make payments via cash or card with over 100 [PayPoint sites] spread across West Lothian.
“The PayPoint outlets are well established and staff within these outlets will support customers with their transactions and be able to answer any queries.”
The spokesperson added: “ The council regularly reviews and improves how services are delivered to our customers. The payment offices across West Lothian were part of the review and to improve accessibility and availability for customers to make and receive payments and as a result it was agreed that payment offices were no longer required, including the one within the Jim Walker Partnership Centre."
“Customers can also continue to make rent, and council tax payments online via the West Lothian Council website ( https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/pay ) where they also have the option of setting up payments by direct debit. Payments can also be made via the telephone (call 01506 282407).
“Bank transfer is also available to customers paying their council tax. Further details on payment options for council tax and rent can be found on the council website.”
