Councils donate to local charities for ‘Digital Switch’

Picture shows Cllr Alford (West Dorset District Council leader), Fiona Hansford (Weldmar) and Cllr Cant (Weymouth & Portland Borough Council leader)

A successful ‘digital switch’ campaign has generated over £2,000 to be shared by local charities Julia’s House and Weldmar Hospicecare.

From March to the end of April this year, residents of Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland were encouraged to sign up to paperless e-billing and direct debit council tax payments.

Purbeck District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council pledged to donate £1 to charity for each resident that made the ‘digital switch’.

Both Weldmar Hospicecare and Julia’s House provide much-needed support and services to local residents and families, and the money raised has been split evenly between the two.

Not only will the donation help support the great work that both organisations deliver to residents, it will also enable the authorities to reallocate officer time and save money on resources.

Linda Schofield-Green of Julia’s House said:  “We are so delighted to receive this donation and on behalf of our children and families I would like to say a huge thank you to the council for choosing us and all the residents who signed up. With only 6% of our income coming from the government every year we continue to need the support of the local community so that we can be there for families going through tough times.”

Fiona Hansford from Weldmar Hospicecare said: “We are extremely grateful to the Dorset Councils Partnership for supporting Weldmar Hospicecare as part of their recent E-Billing Campaign. This generous donation will enable us to continue providing care to patients and their loved ones here in Dorset, throughout the community, and at our inpatient unit. Support from organisations such as this are vital so we can continue to add life to patients last days when they need us most.”

E-billing is the easier and greener way to receive your council tax bills. They are easy to access, more environmentally friendly and they reduce costs for your council, which means more money can be spent on vital frontline services.

Paying your council tax by direct debit is simple, safe and more convenient. The payments are made automatically by your bank or building society.

You remain in control of your payments, as you will be notified at least 10 working days before any changes are made and you can cancel at any time.

To sign up today and make the switch to e-billing or to pay your council tax by direct debit https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/council-tax