THE number of residents paying their council tax by Direct Debit rose significantly this year.

Since April 2014, 4,175 more residents have signed up to pay their bill by Direct Debit – helping to save the council around £20,000 in processing costs and each sign up saves taxpayers more than £5.

To help residents get online, the council launched My Account - the online tool where residents can access council services such as council tax, housing benefit and housing rents. Residents can also take part in free get online courses.

To find out more wigan.gov.uk or call 01942 828696.