My council allows BPAY, Direct Debit, Payment at Bank ie over the counter, Telephone using debit/credit card, Mail and at the council office itself. Whilst the card rewards points might sound good, you need to be on top paying credit card in full otherwise you get charged interest at a very high rate and get further behind. If struggling and want to pay monthly you should be able to set up PBAY payments each month from your financial institutions (not credit card) and then just make up the shortfall when the rate notice comes out.
Having worked in financial institutions most of my working life a word of advice, if struggling with bills, repayments, etc; talk to the institution that you owe ie the council or bank and they may be able to work out a solution. The last thing they want is you to do nothing and ignore it as it will not go away. Communication is the key!
