| Date -19 Dec 2007 | Return to previous page |
Christmas has arrived early for a pensioner who has won Moray Council’s prize draw for householders who pay their council tax by direct debit.
Bob MacGregor, 85, was presented with a cheque equivalent to his council tax bill for the current year.
The council stages periodic prize draws for those who pay by direct debit to encourage others to do likewise.
Paying by direct debit is not only easy and convenient for council tax payers, it is also the most cost effective way for the local authority to collect council tax.
Almost 65% already pay by direct debit and the figure is gradually increasing.
Mr MacGregor, of Mackay Court, Rothes, was presented with his prize by Speyside councillors Pearl Paul and Fiona Murdoch.
A retired painter and decorator who spent most of his working life in New Zealand, Mr MacGregor said: “I have paid by direct debit for the past three or four years. It is the easiest way.”
Of his prize draw win, he said: “It’s a nice early Christmas present.”
Moray Council’s revenues manager, Eric Bell, said: “An increasing number of people are choosing to pay their council tax by direct debit. It suits them because it is simple and convenient and it suits us because it costs us less to collect the money.”