FROM 1 October 2014, there are 3 changes to be aware of:

• the paper road tax disc will no longer be issued as the DVLA computer record is sufficient for the Police to know who has a valid tax disc (so no more paper tax discs in windscreens).

• if you sell a vehicle and you have notified DVLA, you will automatically get a refund for any full calendar months left on the vehicle tax.

• when you buy a vehicle, the vehicle tax will no longer be transferred with the vehicle, so you will need to get new vehicle tax before you can use the vehicle, using the New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) part of the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) by phone 0300-790-6801 or online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency

From 1 November, motorists can choose to pay by direct debit.

Provided an MOT remains valid, the payments will continue automatically until you cancel the Direct Debit with your bank, or tell DVLA to stop taking them, or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) has been made.

Apply online using the details above and your unique reference number given on your DVLA reminder sent in the post.

Another change is the option to pay monthly, as well as the existing annual and biennial options. There’s no surcharge for an annual license, otherwise an admin charge of 5% will be added.

If all this sounds baffling, you can still sort out all your vehicle tax at a Post Office.

Free, confidential advice and help is available from South Lakes Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, consumer problems, benefits, housing, employment and any other problems.

We have various outlets across South Lakeland and can also give advice over the phone – telephone 015394 46464 for an appointment and help.

If you don't need us for advice, how about helping us by becoming a volunteer or making a donation? Not many people realize that we are a charity - see our website for details www.southlakescab.org.uk.