Bank refusing to accept cheque for payment to IR

[wtanih]

A colleague tried to pay the company's monthly PAYE/NI "bill" using the usual payment book and a company cheque but not at the home branch. The teller said it couldn't accept the cheque and said it would need to be handed over at the home branch. The company moved from the City (London) to the West End (in 1989) but of course retains its account in the city.

All previous payments have been made at branches near the office, why refuse it now? Is it a new policy or just poor training.

What's even funnier is that a cheque made to cash was given and the cash was paid no problem (admittdely I believe we have an "arrangement".

My colleague tried as hard as she could to get this simple task done but to no avail.

I am going there at lunch time to see what the hell happened. Any thoughts?

[Smartie]

why not post the cheque to the IR? They even supply post-paid envelopes!

[wtanih]

The company prefers to take it to the bank so there is a bonafide stamp. Anyway problem solved. Got the brush off to begin with but when another branch accepted it, went back there and got an apology. It appears there are certain HMR&C or Bank of England sort codes that can only be processed at your branch.