CHARITIES will benefit if residents make the switch and pay their council tax by direct debit.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, West Dorset District Council and Purbeck District Council will donate £1 to charity for each new person that switches to e-billing or signs up to pay their council tax by direct debit. This will run until the end of April 2018, when all money raised will be split evenly between Weldmar Hospicecare and Julia’s House children's hospice.

Both Weldmar and Julia’s House provide much needed support and services to local residents and families. This charitable activity aims to encourage residents in Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland to make the easy, digital switch.

Cllr Peter Barrowcliff, West Dorset District Council corporate spokesman said: “Switching to e-billing is not only easy, it is also environmentally sound. We hope that residents opt in to pay their council tax by direct debit and make the switch to paper-less bills. It’s a convenient way to manage your council tax payments, and residents now have the added benefit of being able to donate to local charity in the process.”

Cllr Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and spokesman for finance and assets, added: “Direct debit payment keeps things simple for taxpayers and the savings to the council add to the funds we can reinvest in our communities. The added incentive of a donation to local charities we are offering on behalf of residents is a great way for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the community to show support for the fantastic services that Weldmar Hospice and Julia’s House provide."

The councils say e-billing is the easier and greener way to receive council tax bills. They are easy to access, more environmentally friendly and they reduce costs for your council, which means more money can be spent on vital frontline services.

Paying council tax by direct debit is said to be simple, safe and more convenient. The payments are made automatically by bank or building society.

People remain in control of their payments, as the council will notify them at least 10 working days before any changes are made and they can be cancelled at any time.

To sign up today and make the switch visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/council-tax