 Our payment system will be changing soon so you may notice things are a little different the next time you go online or call us to pay a bill.
For customers, little will be changing as we’re switching our payment systems to improve how we work behind the scenes – making it quicker and easier for our teams to manage payments. There are a couple of things you will need to bear in mind however:
- For payments online: the portal will have a different appearance but the process for making a payment remains unchanged. However, it will no longer be possible to download your payment history so if you want a record you need to download this by Monday 29 November.
- For payments by phone: there will be changes to the number you need to call.
- The dedicated payment line will switch from 03301319742 to 01635 503828
- Automated Telephone Payments for Council Tax, Business Rates, Parking fines and other payments will switch from 0300 333 6532 to 01635 017381.
We will be making the switch by Tuesday 30 November and the two telephone numbers will be running in parallel until then.
Whilst we support customers with the new process calls may take a little longer than usual, and could result in a slightly longer wait for calls to be answered. If you can, we encourage you to use the online payment option which should be unaffected by any delays.
We would like to thank you for your patience whilst we conduct this important upgrade to our payment system.
 Speenhamland School has officially opened a refurbished Pelican Building following its transformation into an inspiring learning space. Children are already enjoying the two new classrooms, outdoor learning zone, accessible toilets and hoists for children with physical disabilities.
The £250,000 project, funded by the Council, is the first phase of an exciting new building project at the school. Now the new space is complete we’ll be able to expand the Keevill Unit, an existing teaching space for children with physical difficulties.
The news was so exciting it prompted a celebratory message from CBeebies' Mr Tumble! You can watch the message on our YouTube channel.
 Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not pop along to the Victorian Christmas Fayre in Newbury?
We're delighted to be supporting this event through funding awarded to Newbury BID to provide an enhanced festive programme for the town. The three-day Victorian Fayre runs from Friday 3 December to Sunday 5 December and includes a wide range of Victorian style market stalls, performers, a carousel, live music and of course Father Christmas.
More information can be found here: https://visitnewbury.org.uk/christmas
Throughout the last few newsletters we've been providing hints and tips on how we all have a part to play in making changes to save our beautiful planet.
With only four weeks left until Christmas, we've produced a guide to wasting less over the holidays. From reducing our food consumption to reusing and recycling, we can all do our bit in putting waste in its place.
|
 Click/tap the image to open a larger version.
A new social value policy has been introduced to ensure suppliers and service providers we use are more closely aligned with our core values.
The introduction of this policy means that all suppliers and providers of council services will need to consider our core values when bidding on procurement opportunities - ranging from climate change, local employment opportunities, and local community benefits.
Find out more about our social value policy.
 Congratulations to Hungerford Nursery School who are celebrating their fifth consecutive 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted since 2007.
The Inspector said that he had not been to a happier school, and that laughter, imagination and joy abound there. A brilliant achievement with smiles all round!
Read more about the inspection result here.
Thursday 25 November is White Ribbon Day, and we’re supporting the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
This year there is particular focus on the issue in the light of Sarah Everard’s appalling murder in March, and many of us will be wearing White Ribbon badges to show support for the cause.
All men can make a difference and we’re urging as many as possible to make the White Ribbon Promise.
Watch the video of our Leader Lynne Doherty and Chief Executive Nigel Lynne talking about why it’s important to stand up and take part.
It's Flood Action Week - and the Environment Agency have issued advice about what to do if you live in an area at risk of flooding.
Recent polling suggests nearly two in three households at risk from flooding do not believe their homes could flood. But just because flooding hasn't happened to you in the past, it doesn't mean it won't happen in the future.
In England there are over five million properties at risk of flooding. The research shows that people who haven’t taken action to prepare for flooding are in the clear minority (30%), but this still means that as many as 1.5 million households who are at risk are yet to prepare. With climate change already causing more frequent, intense flooding and sea level rise, we all need to know what to do, should the worst happen.
|
