Pendle Council is urging residents to use direct debit when it comes to paying their council tax.
Direct debit is the easiest and most convenient way to pay bills and around 60% of residents already do it this way.
And to encourage more to switch, a new monthly prize draw is being launched in September.
Any household which makes the switch will be entered into the draw and two will randomly be selected to each win £50 of vouchers to spend at participating shops across Pendle.
Coun. Tommy Cooney, who oversees the council’s finances, said: “Even if you already pay your council tax by direct debit don’t worry, you’ll still be in with a chance of winning.
“Anyone who pays in this way will automatically be entered!
“The campaign is all about supporting our local economies too – we’re inviting Pendle’s independent shops to get involved and we’ll publish a list of where the vouchers can be spent on our website.”
Pendle Council wants residents to make the switch because as well as being a convenient way to pay, it’s also the cheapest way of collecting the cash.
Dean Langton, head of central and regeneration services, said: “It costs the council less than 2p to process a direct debit payment, significantly less than most other methods of payment.
“Like councils up and down the country, we’re looking at ways to do things more efficiently and residents choosing to pay by direct debit will help us do this.”
Using direct debit will also mean the council spends less time and money chasing late payments.
Coun. Cooney added: “There are many benefits for residents using the direct debit system to pay bills.
“It offers a safe, secure and convenient payment method and as long as there’s enough money in your bank account you shouldn’t ever miss a payment.
“But don’t worry – you’ll stay in control because a direct debit can only be set up with your permission.”