Cash payments for council tax, fines and other bills will be scrapped in 2020.

Maidstone Borough Council will remove one of its payment machines on January 1, leaving the remaining one in place until April 1.

A council spokeswoman said: "MBC appreciates this may be a big change for some customers which is why it is phasing out the machines over a three-month period. Carrying large amounts of cash can be unsafe.

"As the majority of people now have access to a bank account or manage their financial affairs electronically the MBC online services are becoming a more popular, secure and convenient way to pay for council services."

The leases on both machines, which are set up at at Maidstone Link in King Street, run out in 2020. MBC has decided not renew them.

The machines make it possible for residents and businesses who prefer cash to pay council tax, business rates, benefits over payments, fines and invoices for waste services.

A new £20 note comes out in February, but MBC say it will not update its remaining machine before removing it in April.

Apologising "for an inconvience this may cause," MBC said it would give advice to anyone struggling with the change.

A council spokeswoman added: "MBC appreciates this may be a big change for some customers which is why it is phasing out the machines over a three-month period. Carrying large amounts of cash can be unsafe.

"As the majority of people now have access to a bank account or manage their financial affairs electronically the MBC online services are becoming a more popular, secure and convenient way to pay for council services.

"Currently 77% of residents already pay their council tax by direct debit and more than 136,000 payments were made to MBC online or using the automated payment line in 2018 which is the easiest and safest way to pay. It is quick and easy to set up with a choice of two payment dates and will ensure bills are paid on time."

Customers should note that they will need to arrange another method to pay their Council Tax after 1 April 2020.

Visit the council's website maidstone.gov.uk or contact Maidstone Link 01622 602003 to make the switch.

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