HOUSEHOLDS across Lewisham are being urged to switch to Direct Debit for their council tax bills with a chance to win £25,000.

To be entered into the prize, residents need to start paying council tax bills by Direct Debit before 5pm on July 12.

Lewisham Council is one of 17 London authorities backing the move which makes payments cheaper to process.

Cabinet member for customer services Councillor Susan Wise said: “Direct Debit is a much cheaper way for us to process payments and the money we save can be used for the benefit of local residents.

“Switching also helps the resident to budget and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to switch to Direct Debit and be in with the chance of winning the £25,000 prize.”

Residents can sign up by visiting lewisham.gov.uk/counciltax or on 020 8690 9666. People already paying by Direct Debit will be automatically entered into the prize draw.