South Lanarkshire residents could be in with a chance of winning a year’s free council tax.

The council announced that locals could win a full year’s break from paying council tax if they sign up to make payments via direct debit.

Those who have already signed up to pay council tax this way are automatically entered in the draw.

READ MORE: 'Eye watering increase': here's how much more your energy bills could rise by

Head of Finance (Transactions) at South Lanarkshire Council, Craig Fergusson, said:  “The council has, for a number of years, offered three residents the opportunity to win free council tax for a year if they sign up to pay by direct debit.

“We believe this is an excellent way to get more people to pay by direct debit.

“Paying by direct debit is a safe and convenient way of paying council tax.

“The automatic payments mean you don’t forget to pay the bill and it also saves customers’ time.”

READ MORE: Glasgow Metro could take 35 years to finish

Council tax is paid every month from April to January and can be paid online, by the phone or through a direct debit.

If paid by direct debit, residents can choose a day from the 1st, 7th, 14, 21st or 28th each month for the payment to come out.

The council will send a new bill to confirm payment dates and how much you will pay each month if direct debit is chosen.

You do not have to cancel your direct debit after the January payment and restart it in April, the direct debit will remain without payments taken in February or March.