TAX payers in Bromsgrove have been unable to pay their bills due to faulty bar codes on their most recent council tax statements.

The bills from Bromsgrove District Council have recently started arriving on door steps, but several residents have complained they were unable to make a payment at their local Post Office, due to the barcode being faulty.

Amanda Singleton, head of customer access and financial support, said: "We are aware that some bar codes are not scanning. It seems to be affecting three to four per cent of people and we’re sorry for any inconvenience it may be causing.

“We’re currently making alternative payment arrangements, such as payment over the phone, and for anyone that needs it we will re-issue a bar code as soon as we have been able to identify and resolve the problem affecting these bills."

The council says it is now liaising with its contractors to understand how the problem occurred.

Anyone who may be affected by the faulty bill is urged to call 01527 881 671 or email revenues@bromsgrove.gov.uk. More information can be found at bromsgrove.gov.uk/counciltax.