Some councils will accept payment in cash, some will accept payment by credit card over the phone but all councils will accept a cheque. In my experience paying by any other method than cheque is to invite trouble.
The fee is £37, payable to the Licensing Authority you are applying to.
Your Licensing Authority will be the council for the area in which you usually reside. If you are not sure of this, it is the council to which council tax for the property is payable. The other way to find out is as follows:
- Go to the website UpMyStreet
- Enter your postcode in the box and click 'Go'
- Click on 'Council & Reps' on the left hand side, under the heading 'Local area'
The council for your area should be displayed. If you want confirmation then simply ring up the council you think is your Licensing Authority and they will be able to help you.