An Islington council tax payer has Direct Debit to thank after landing a “life-changing” sum of money.

Victoria Jesper, 32, won £25,000 after an annual campaign across 16 London boroughs to encourage people to pay their council tax bills using Direct Debit. Anyone who moved from cash, cheque or card during the promotional period - backed by Bacs Payment Schemes - was entered into the prize draw.

Victoria and husband Ed Clements had been saving for a deposit for a new home. They were hoping to start their house hunt next year, but this major cash boost means they can start immediately.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I took the call to say I’d won. I’d recently applied to Islington Council regarding additional storage shed space and thought the phone call was about that. It really is a life-changing prize and will make a huge difference to us.”

Cllr Andy Hull, Islington Council’s executive member for finance and performance, said: “The scheme is good news for the council too. By signing up to pay by Direct Debit, residents can save themselves time and also save the council money it’s cheaper for us to process Direct Debit payments.”