Powys Council's services hit by budget cuts
Budget cuts made by Powys Council are beginning to bite in the county. Llanidloes' register office is to open by appointment only in future while council tax payers will no longer be able to settle their bills at council offices in Welshpool and Newtown.
The changes, which will be implemented from the beginning of April, are part of Powys County Council's drive to reduce spending by £20 million in 2014/15.
Cash payments will no longer be accepted in customer service points after Friday while in some towns customer service will transfer to the local library.
Customers will be able to pay their council bills at local post offices and shops/garages which offer Paypoint facilities.
In Newtown and Machynlleth customer services will transfer to the towns' libraries on April 1.
In Welshpool cash payments for council bills will not be accepted at the Severn Road building after Friday and customer service will transfer to the town's library later in the year.
A council spokesman said: "There will be no additional charges for using Paypoint, and all customers have to do is take their payment card and cash to the counter and the retail staff will do the rest. Alternatively, customers might consider setting up a direct debit, as this is by far the cheapest method for the council to take payments.
"If people wish to continue to pay in cash, the council can arrange to order a payment card for any rent or council tax payments or look at alternatives, such as bar coded invoices which will allow people to make these payments locally.
"Many of the Paypoints are open seven days a week and late in the evening, which will give customers more flexibility and at the same time the council believe this will offer support to local businesses.
"As our libraries are open one late night a week – and a Saturday morning – customers will be able to make the initial request to access council services, outside of normal office hours."
Call the customer services team 0845 602 7030.
