Pendle News Room

Residents who pay their council tax by Direct Debit are in with a chance of winning thousands of pounds.

Pendle Council is taking part in a national campaign funded by Bacs, the not-for-profit organisation behind Direct Debit, to encourage people to pay their bills this way.

And residents are being reminded that anyone who signs up to pay their council tax by Direct Debit by 5pm on 30 September could scoop £5,000.

Direct Debit’s the easiest and most convenient way to pay bills and around 60% of residents already do it this way.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “Even if you already pay your council tax by Direct Debit don’t worry; you’ll still be in with a chance of winning.

“Everyone who pays this way will automatically be entered!”

Pendle Council wants residents to make the switch because as well as being a convenient way to pay, it’s also the cheapest way of collecting council tax.

Councillor Iqbal added: “It costs the Council less than 2p to process a Direct Debit payment, significantly less than most other methods of payment.

“Like councils up and down the country we’re looking at ways to do things more efficiently and residents choosing to pay by Direct Debit will help us do this.”

Using Direct Debit will also mean the Council spends less time and money chasing late payments.

And there are many benefits for residents using Direct Debit to pay bills.

It offers a safe, secure and convenient payment method and as long as there’s enough money in your bank account you shouldn't ever miss a payment.

But don’t worry you’ll stay in control because a Direct Debit can only be set up with your permission.

Dawneth Perry, Bacs’ local authority specialist, added: “We’re pleased to support all of the organisations taking part in this year’s national campaign.

“It’s the first time we’ve brought together local authorities from across the country.  

“We’ve run a London-specific campaign since 2010 and the results have shown just how effective these initiatives can be.

“In fact, over the last six years our council tax campaigns have delivered in the region of £2.5m in savings for those participating and we’re now hoping that we can drive cost efficiencies for local authorities across the country.”

To switch to Direct Debit and more information about the prize draw visit www.pendle.gov.uk/prizedraw