Digital Delivery, by Shepway District Council

Today I needed to renew my annual Shepway Residents Car Park permit (£52 a year - excellent value and a good idea, as I said in Council when they were introduced!).

On checking the renewal letter however, it tells me that to pay by credit / debit card I needed to go to the Civic Centre.

So, to the Cabinet Member for Customers and Digital Delivery at Shepway District Council - that's you Rory Love) - a question.

Why, when there are a host of services I CAN pay for online with my debit / credit card, do I need to go to Castle Hill Avenue to pay £52 for a simple parking permit renewal? If there were changes of details (like new car, new address) I could maybe understand, but there were none. I can't be alone.

And just out of interest, when you go to Castle Hill Avenue, the staff try really hard to deal with the renewal quickly and efficiently. They were, however, stymied by a non-operational (today only I'm assured) system for taking debit / credit card payments.

Guess how they suggest I therefore make the payment? On your letter it says "Please note we cannot accept cash payments"? Can you guess? Starts with a C, four letters, last one H...

I've now paid that way. But, I think it can safely be said, Digital is not Delivering in Shepway at the moment. Bit more work needed here Rory Love.