ONE lucky borough resident could win £25,000 just by paying his or her council tax by direct debit.

Hillingdon is one of 16 London councils which have teamed up with Bacs Payment Schemes, the not-for-profit organisation behind direct debit, to offer council taxpayers a chance to win the prize.

First, you must sign up to pay your council tax bill by direct debit by 5pm on Friday, July 11. Residents who already pay by direct debit will be automatically entered into the prize draw on July 17.

Council taxpayers on direct debit can arrange to pay their monthly instalments on either the first, 10th, 18th or 25th of each month.

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, cabinet member for finance, property and business services said: “Direct debit is a far cheaper and more efficient way for us to process payments and, importantly, the money we save can be used for the benefit of Hillingdon residents.”

Other councils taking part in the prize draw are Barnet, Brent, City of Westminster, Ealing, Enfield, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets.

For more information, including how to pay your council tax go to www.hillingdon.gov.uk/counciltax