Wakefield Council residents will continue to have access to the UK’s two biggest and most recognised cash networks, as payment specialist allpay has been awarded a four-year contract by the local authority to continue to provide electronic payment services to the council. allpay has provided both barcoded billing and plastic swipe card services to the council since 2011, enabling its 300,000-plus residents to pay their council tax, business rates and sundry debts at any PayPoint or Post Office outlet or branch.

Once in receipt of a barcoded bill or personalised swipe card, residents can enjoy the benefits of paying their bills at their convenience.

Commenting on the extension of the relationship with allpay, Cllr Graham Stokes, Cabinet Member for Corporate Performance at Wakefield Council, said: “allpay has a proven track record of delivery in supplying electronic payment services to UK local authorities and effectively demonstrated the automated and rigorous processes it has in place to deliver the contract and provide best value for the council and local taxpayers.”

In particular, allpay’s ability to eliminate any manual intervention for the council and seamlessly transfer funds to the council securely and at no extra cost was a contributing factor in awarding the contract to allpay over the other bidders.

Pierre Galeon, Corporate and Commercial Development Director at allpay, added: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the contract by Wakefield following competitive tender, which shows we are the leading choice for local authorities, offering a cost effective and high quality service. After a successful three years working with the council to provide swipe cards and barcoded billing, residents will continue to enjoy the benefits of easy payments until at least 2018.”