August 22nd, 2011
A lucky Eastbourne couple have won the coveted prize of a year's paid council tax, awarded last Friday by Eastbourne Mayor Cllr Carolyn Heaps.
Mrs Alison Parks, 55, of Wordsworth Drive, Eastbourne, and husband Nigel, 57, were presented with the prize after entering a council competition in March.
Entrants were sent a leaflet with their main council tax bill advising that everyone who paid by direct debit or who signed up for it would be entered into a prize draw to have their council tax paid for this financial year, up to the value of a Band D property.
Eastbourne Council has seen an increase in the number of direct debit payments since January to 73% in July. This equates to an impressive 400 new direct debit payers as a result of this campaign alone.
Cllr Heaps said: “I am thrilled for Alison and Nigel. The more work we can do to encourage others to pay their council tax by direct debit the better as it keeps the cost of the council tax down for the taxpayers of Eastbourne, so everyone is a winner."
Direct debit payments are the cheapest way of making payments and help customers into a regular cycle of payment which reduces the risk of falling into arrears in the future. It also saves on printing and postage costs as less reminders are issued which in turn decreases the number of telephone and counter calls.
Alison, an Executive PA, and Nigel, a British Gas Engineer said: “We were so surprised to win and really couldn’t believe it at first.
“The day before our washing machine had blown up and we were in a bit of a panic so this will really help. As our daughter is getting married in April, this prize is a great boost.
“We already pay our council tax via direct debit as it is so much easier and you know the payments have been made.”
If you are interested in paying your Council Tax by Direct Debit, please contact the Council on 0845 300 6715.
