Following the success of the 'Direct Debit prize draw' scheme, it will be extended for an additional year, giving more tenants the chance to sign up and be winners.

The concept means that everyone who pays their rent by Direct Debit before June 2017 will automatically be entered into a monthly free prize draw to win £100 supermarket vouchers.

Direct Debit can be used to make payments for housing rent, garage rent and insurance and tenants can sign up by calling the council’s dedicated housing team on 01384 815024. The line is open between 9am and 5pm every week day, with an answer phone facility available out of hours.

There is also a choice of four payment dates to best suit tenant’s circumstances. Customers can now pay on the 6th, 14th, 21st and 28th of the month.

Alan Lunt, Strategic Director for Place, said:

“Using Direct Debit as a payment method is simple, quick, safe and is Dudley Council’s preferred method. We currently have thousands of tenants who take advantage of this service, saving both time and hassle – safe in the knowledge that their bank or building society automatically makes the payment when it is due.

“Everyone who joins between now and June 2016 will be entered into our free monthly prize draw. Residents are also reminded to sign up to the community council e-bulletin, which is full of local news".