TENS of thousands of pounds worth of savings are expected to be made as part of Darlington Borough Council’s multi-million pound budget cutting programme by moving bank accounts.

Following a period review of the authority’s banking costs, the council has decided to switch banks in a bid to recoup a substantial amount of money by 2021.

Across the next three financial years, £46.6m will have been stripped from the council’s budget as part of Government funding cuts imposed since 2010.

Darlington Borough Council will switch its account to Lloyds Bank, effective from Saturday, April 1.

Residents who pay their council tax via direct debit or standing order through their bank will not be required to make any changes or inform their bank about the switch.

It is also not necessary for businesses and organisations that pay business rates or make other payments to the council to change methods of payment.

Councillor Steve Harker, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for efficiency and resources, said: “The move to Lloyds will save the council tens of thousands of pounds over the next three years, which can be used to support other vital services.

“As a result of the widely-publicised austerity cuts, the council has been forced to make reductions to many of its services and any savings we can find in other areas is to be welcomed.

“Our finance team has worked closely with Lloyds to ensure a smooth transition when the move is complete, but we would urge anyone who makes payments by methods other than direct debit or standing order to ensure they use the new bank details.”

However, individuals or businesses making payments to the council via other banking methods, including online banking, will need to use the council’s new bank account and sort code details.

Council payments can be made to Lloyds, 21-23 Northgate, Darlington, DL1 1TL.

Alternatively, online transfers to Darlington Borough Council can be made using the new account name, DBC – Collections, with sort code 308443 and account number 34640868.

For more information on the bank details, contact Darlington Borough Council’s customer services team by calling 01325-405000 or by emailing customerservices@darlington.gov.uk