Bacs takes to the sea to recognise Direct Debit

HMS Belfast, the historic British vessel that was a flag ship on D-Day, was the spectacular venue for six local authorities from across the UK to receive recognition for their success in the Direct Debit Challenge League – run by industry body Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs).

The league winners were Sunderland City Council, Borough of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Bournemouth Borough Council, London Borough of Islington, Warwick District Council and West Dunbartonshire Council. Each was awarded £1,000 for their achievement, to be donated to a charity of their choice.

The Direct Debit Challenge is an established event with a rich heritage of recognising the outstanding effort that local authorities put into the promotion of Direct Debit each year. The Challenge League provides real-time data, on a monthly basis, against which local authorities can benchmark their Direct Debit performance. More accessible than ever before by virtue of an online portal, the Challenge League means councils can identify what scope there is to improve Direct Debit take-up.

Two authorities received special awards during the presentation for their outstanding commitment to promote Direct Debit. Sunderland City Council received the Marketing Campaign of the Year Award and London Borough of Islington was given the Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award. Each received a further £1,000 for a charity of their choice.

Michael Chambers, Managing Director of Bacs, said: “It is a really important element of our work with local authorities that we are able to recognise their commitment to Direct Debit each year. We will continue working closely with this sector to help maximise the savings that they can achieve as a result of collecting payments by Direct Debit.”

Each of the winning authorities received a trophy, presented by Michael Chambers, and was then treated to a tour of HMS Belfast by a veteran who had served on the ship during its illustrious service in the Navy. During the tour they were given a unique insight into what life was like serving at sea, including what it was like to fire the ships main weaponry.

For more information about the Direct Debit Challenge League or Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), please contact the Bacs press office.