BRADFORD Council has revealed one of its more unusual green pledges, by vowing to plant a tree for every home that switches to a direct debit Council Tax Payment.

The council announced the pledge yesterday, and said it is one of a wave of environmentally friendly measures included in its latest budget.

People have been urged to make the change to direct debit by the end of March. Direct debit is cheaper for the Council to process, and the tree planting will be paid for by the money saved, as well as saving the taxpayer money, the Council says.

Martin Stubbs, Assistant Director for Revenues & Benefits, said: “We’re fast approaching the time of year when we send out our annual Council Tax bills. Conscious of our environment and the problems we’re seeing across the world, we have made a commitment to plant a tree in the Bradford District for every new household that signs up to pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit.

Tree to be planted for every Bradford child in push to make district a greener place

“As well as Direct Debit, why not go one step further and sign up to get your Council Tax bills by email, saving even more paper?”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Lots of people pay bills by Direct Debit these days.

“It’s quicker, you don’t have to remember to pay and it’s safe. What’s more it saves the Council Taxpayer money as it’s cheaper for the council to administer.

“In return we are committing to plant a tree to support the district’s climate emergency ambition for every additional household who signs up by March 31. I would urge any households not already paying by Direct Debit to sign up and take part in this positive campaign.”

A statement from the Council said: “The money saved will not only pay for tree planting, but will also save the council money in the long run, which can in turn be spent on other, vital services.”

Bradford Council recently announced that it would be planting a tree for every primary school aged child in Bradford in the coming years – roughly 55,000 trees.

To sign up to pay Council Tax bills by Direct Debit visit www.bradford.gov.uk/directdebit