Residents who are quick off the mark and sign up to pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit before 15 February will automatically be entered into a prize draw with the opportunity to win a fantastic first prize – the chance to drive a Lotus Sports Car around the renowned Lotus track!

This great prize is being offered as part of Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s campaign to encourage more households to pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit.

Deputy Leader, Councillor Barry Stone, voices his support for the initiative. “Paying by Direct Debit takes away the need to remember to visit the payments office or send a cheque. Payments are automatically calculated and deducted year after year so a payment is never missed. It is really so simple and easy to set up and I would like to encourage as may residents as possible to take advantage of this facility and also have a chance to win this fabulous prize. Good Luck!”

13,000 leaflets will be sent to customers who currently pay their Council Tax by cash, cheque or standing order.  

The benefits of paying by Direct Debit are emphasised by Stuart Brabben, Revenue Services Manager. “Over 18,000 households in Great Yarmouth already use Direct Debit to pay their Council Tax.  This method of payment saves time and money as no postage is required.  Customers can also choose their preferred payment date and avoid late payments.”

The leaflet will contain a direct debit mandate for the customer to fill in. In order to be entered in the draw and have a chance to win this exciting prize the mandate needs to be returned no later than 15 February. The first instalment will then be taken in April.

The prize will also include:

   - A safety and circuit driving briefing
   - 20 minutes driving the high performance Lotus Elise under professional instruction around the Lotus track
   - A detailed hour long tour of the state of the art Lotus Elise production facility
   - A breathtaking high-speed passenger ride with one of their professional drivers
   - A certificate to show completion of the experience

The draw will be held on 15 May 2008 with the winner being notified shortly afterwards.

Full details of the competition can be found on our website at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk

For further information contact Stuart Brabben, Revenue Services Manager on 01493 846261 or email seb@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.