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Internet Payments

How to pay on-line

In order to make a payment, your browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Netscape) must support 128-bit encryption. See below for details of how to check if your browser has 128-bit encryption.

If you click pay now on the right hand side and the page comes up with an error message or page cannot be found then your browser does not support 128 bit encryption. You can easily update your browser and use the payments service - please see the helpful information below.

If you experience any problems or have any queries regarding this service then please telephone (01772) 906900 or email: info@preston.gov.uk

What can I pay online?

You can pay for council tax, business rates (NNDR), sundry debtor invoices, mortgages and housing benefit overpayment.

Housing payments will need to be made to the Community Gateway Association:
Community Gateway Association Payments

How do I check to see if my browser supports 128-bit encryption?

In order to make an online payment to the Council, your browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Netscape) must support 128-bit encryption. In order to check if your browser supports 128-bit encryption please follow these instructions:

Internet Explorer Users: On the menu bar click Help then About Internet Explorer. There should be a reference to the Cipher Strength. If it less than 128-bit please click on the Update Information link to download the Internet Explorer High Encryption pack. Alternatively, whilst in the payment page, hover your mouse over the Security Pad-lock in the right-hand corner of your browser. This should display a pop-up of 'SSL Secured (???bits). If it is less than 128 bits (or the padlock does not appear) please download the Internet Explorer High Encryption pack. This should only take a few minutes to download from the Microsoft website.

Netscape Users: Click on the Security Pad-lock in the right-hand corner of your browser. The Personal Security Manager should display a message in the center of the page stating 'Connection Encrypted' and the encryption level. If this is below 128 bit please upgrade to the latest version of Netscape at Netscape Products.

If your browser does not support this level of encryption, click on the appropriate icon below to upgrade your browser.


Is it safe?

Yes it is safe. Your transaction will take place within a secure payment system. We use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, a standard supported by major internet browsers. All of your personal and card details are protected by using 128-bit protection when transmitted over the Internet. In order for a transaction to take place securely your browser must support 128-bit encryption.

If you are in a public place we strongly advise you to make sure you are not overlooked as you enter your details to prevent them being misused by somebody else.

What if it doesn't work?

If you can't get into the payments page when you click on "Make a payment", this is probably because your browser doesn't support 128-bit encryption. You are therefore prevented from making a payment since anything less than 128 is not safe. In order to make the payment, you will need to update your encryption bit. This is very easy to do and will not cost you anything. Follow the instructions under 'How do I check to see if my browser supports 128-bit encryption?' to update your encryption bit to 128 in either Netscape or Internet Explorer.

When will my payment be processed?

Payments can be made at anytime. The processing to the account to be paid will only occur Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). All payments made by 4.30pm will show on the account on the next working day. Any payments after 4.30pm will be included in the next day's payments.

The processing to your card issuer will occur Monday to Friday (excluding bank holiday) the same day if paid by 4.30pm or the next day if after 4.30pm.


Which cards do you accept?

You can pay by Visa, MasterCard, Visa Delta, Maestro, and Solo.

We do not accept Electron, American Express and Diners Club.


Can I have a receipt?

You will receive a confirmation of your payment on your screen after you make the payment. You can print this out as confirmation. Additionally, if you provide us with an email address, your payment confirmation will be sent to you.

What if my card is refused?

Cards are not refused by Preston City Council - they are refused by your bank. There are many reason why this may happen and we suggest you contact your bank directly.

Can I pay by direct debit?

If you don't wish to pay your bills using your debit or credit cards, you can always ease your mind by paying by Direct Debit.

You can download:

Council Tax Direct Debit form

Business Rate Direct Debit form

Once you have downloaded it, print it off, fill it in and send it to the address printed on the form. Thank you.

Payments

credit and debit card logos

Legal statement

The data that you provide during this transaction will only be used for the purpose of recording your payment. We shall abide by the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 and ensure that the data is used for no other purposes and is disclosed to no third party.

Contacts

If you need any help making payments, please contact us

info@preston.gov.uk

01772 906900