North West Improvement and Efficiency Partnership

Government Merchant Acquiring

Background

The Government Merchant Acquiring (GMA) Framework Agreement facilitates the acceptance of credit and debit card payments for goods and services from businesses and the general public. The Framework Agreement was awarded to Barclaycard Business, HSBC, Lloyds TSB Cardnet and RBS Streamline and provides access to a variety of payment facilities, ranging from individual Chip and Pin terminals to fully integrated, automatic Internet-based solutions.

The new service can be used to accept payments from customers, suppliers and citizens typically for:

• Student fees Community Charge, Business Tax and other local taxation 
• Fines & Court Fees 
• Car Parking & Toll Fees 
• Rent, Planning Fees, Leisure Centre/Gymnasium, Function Rooms, Catering & Corporate hospitality 
• Meals on Wheels/home help 
• Licence fees 
• Charity donations 
• Hospital & dental fees
  

Who can use the offering?

This offering is open to all public sector bodies in the UK.
 
Key features and benefits of the offering

• Preferential rates for processing card payments & hiring terminals.
• Improved cashflow, lower administrative costs, improved MI and fast, secure transactions on a 24/7 basis.
• Greater choice and more convenient payment options for customers.  
• Allows the customer to improve procurement efficiency within their organisation.
• Customer reassurance regarding EU compliance and conformity to current legislation and the security of Government terms and conditions.

Contact Details

If you have any questions, or wish to move things forward, please contact:
 
Joanne Rutland
OGC Buying Solutions
Tel:               0151 672 2211       
Email: joanne.rutland@ogcbs.gsi.gov.uk