A CAMPAIGN is being launched to persuade people to pay their council tax bills by direct debit.

Kirklees Council is mounting the drive by sending leaflets to 60,000 homes.

Cabinet member Clr Paul Battye said: "Over 76,000 Kirklees council tax payers already use direct debit to pay their council tax bills because it is easy, convenient and has no risk.

"We aim to increase the numbers using direct debit by contacting people who currently pay their council tax by other methods."

An eye-catching leaflet featuring a dinosaur will be distributed over the next four months.

People paying by direct debit are able to spread their bills over 12 months rather than the 10 months allowed to others.

Businesses are being targeted by a separate campaign to promote using direct debit to pay business rates.

Clr Battye said processing charges for direct debit were significantly cheaper than other payment methods.

He added: "If more customers start regularly paying their council tax by direct debit each month, it will also mean that our staff will have more time to chase up those people who should pay for council services, but don't."

* To set up a direct debit ring the council's payment line on 01484 414818.