Laura Sharman 19 July 2017

Councils to be banned from adding credit card fees

Councils will no longer be allowed to charge extra for people making credit or debit card payments, under new rules unveiled today.

The Government has agreed to outlaw ‘rip-off’ card fees from January 2018. It estimates the total yearly value of surcharges is around £473m.

‘Rip-off charges have no place in a modern Britain and that’s why card charging in Britain is about to come to an end,’ said economic secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Barclay.

‘This is about fairness and transparency, and so from next year there will be no more nasty surprises for people at the check-out just for using a card.

#Legislation

Analysis

Breaking down England's fiscal devolution plans

David Phillips of the IFS tells LocalGov why England's regional finance reforms are modest by global comparison and what ministers still need to get right.

Opinion

Why perception matters as much as pounds and pence

How councils perceive vulnerability, not just financial position, shapes whether they fall into a cycle of short-term cuts or build longer-term resilience.

Most Popular News

Ex-neo-Nazi quits council race, becomes Badenoch adviser

Devo minister resigns

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Government publishes social cohesion action plan

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Programme Director - North London Heat and Power Project

£165,000 + bonus

We are seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead the final delivery, commissioning and transition into operation of this landmark project. London (Greater)

Recuriter: North London Waste Authority

Executive Director of Prosperity and Place

£153,685 - £164,743

You will shape and deliver bold priorities that enhance quality of life, strengthen infrastructure, support inclusive economic growth Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

Recuriter: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Head of safeguarding and quality assurance - Adults

£87,117 to £93,978 per annum

As Head of Service, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of adults who access support from our services. Knowsley (Metropolitan borough), Hybryd Working

Recuriter: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council