They're paid directly to the South (4)

I believe the answer is:

dues

'they're paid' is the definition.

'directly to the south' is the wordplay.
'directly' becomes 'due' (synonyms).
'to the south' becomes 's' (abbreviation).
'due'+'s'='DUES'

(Other definitions for dues that I've seen before include "Payments made for upkeep of church" , "Membership fees" , "Subscription to a club or society" , "subs" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app