Council introduces tax swipe card

A Berkshire town aims to save money by introducing a swipe card payment method for council tax.

People in Reading who use the council's cash office to pay the tax will now be able to use pay point machines in shops and post offices.

Reading Borough Council said the scheme will save people time and money in terms of bank processing charges.

The swipe cards will replace council tax payment vouchers and have already been sent to 5,500 residents.

A council spokesman said: "It is hoped the move to swipe card payment will allow the local authority to make substantial savings, both in terms of efficiency and money, over the coming months and years."

Residents who already have payment vouchers will be able to continue to use them, but no new vouchers will be issued.