Popstar Suggs says that with a £25,000 cash prize on offer it would be "madness" not to sign up to a new council tax direct debit payment campaign.

People who sign up to pay their council tax by direct debit before July 15 will be entered into a prize draw and could win themselves £25,000.

The cash prize is being offered by Bacs Payment Schemes Ltd (Bacs), the organisation responsible for direct debit. It has teamed up with Wandsworth Council and some other London boroughs in a drive to increase the use of this easy and convenient payment method.

The public awareness campaign is being fronted by Madness singer Suggs. He was joined at the launch of the new initiative last week by the chairman of Wandsworth's corporate resources scrutiny committee Cllr Vanessa Graham.

Pictured below:
Madness singer Suggs, Cllr Vanessa Graham and
deputy council tax manager Gaven Downton

Cllr Graham said:
"There are plenty of benefits for residents if they use the direct debit system to pay their council tax bills.  It offers a safe, secure and convenient payment method. People will not have all the fuss and bother of having to remember to pay each month, and as long as there is enough money in their bank account, they should never miss a payment. Once they have signed up to pay this way they will never have to worry about it again.

She continued:
"Using direct debit also reduces the costs that town halls incur in collecting this revenue – so the more people that sign up, the bigger the savings that can be made. These savings can be used to help keep council tax bills in Wandsworth the country's lowest – so there is a direct financial benefit for taxpayers in using this system.

"And anyone who signs up before July 15 could be in with a chance of winning a £25,000 cash prize. Of course all our residents who have already opted for direct debit will be automatically entered into this prize draw so they won't miss out on the chance to win this fabulous prize."

The managing director of Bacs, Michael Chambers said:
"Our research suggests that 74 per cent of the UK adult population have a positive attitude to direct debit. What’s more direct debit is widely recognised as the most efficient method of collecting council tax payments.  - The prize draw is an example of an effective, and exciting, direct debit promotion that will enable customers to benefit from a trusted, reliable and hassle-free payment method, and the councils involved to reap cost savings and revenue efficiency benefits."

People who want to sign up to pay their council tax by direct debit can use the council's fully automated 24 hour helpline by calling 020 8871 7799. Alternatively visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/counciltax, fill in a direct debit instruction form or contact your bank or building society.

 

March 16, 2010