More than 70 per cent of Dudley borough council tax payers pay their bills by Direct Debit - one of the highest rates in the region.

More than 100,000 of the 141,094 borough properties paying council tax use the “safe and efficient” service.

It is the highest figure on record at the authority and council bosses are urging others to use the system. Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said:

"The number of people choosing to pay their council tax by direct debit is increasing year-on-year and is now the highest on record.

"Paying council tax by direct debit not only guarantees payment to the council it is the most effective, safe and efficient way to pay and helps us reduce administration costs."

People can register for direct debit on the council's website.