Letters from the EA about licences by Direct Debit will start arriving from Monday this week and anglers have until the February 4 to return the completed mandates.
In 2001/2 a pilot Direct Debit project was launched in the Agency’s Anglian and Midlands regions. More than 26,000 anglers responded – an 11 per cent uptake rate.
Now the Agency is targeting 662,000 holders of full annual and concessionary licences across England and Wales.
The initiative means anglers who sign up for Direct Debit will automatically have a licence sent to them in time for the new season.
In the long term, savings generated by this project will enable the Agency to spend more money on improvements for fisheries and anglers.
Those who completed a Direct Debit mandate in 2002 need take no further action – the Agency will contact them in February to confirm their bank details.
The EA say the usual safeguards associated with Direct Debit, offered through the banking system, will ensure anglers’ interests are protected.
A dedicated helpline has been set up to deal with enquiries. Please call on 01925 542400 – for Direct Debit enquiries only. This will operate from January 6.
Holders of eight day and one day licences are not included in this phase of the project.
