BRADFORD Council has pledged to plant a tree for every additional household signing-up to pay its council tax by direct debit.

The move is among several measures being carried out by the local authority to tackle climate change.

It follows the declaration of a climate emergency in January last year.

Other steps include planting a tree for every primary school child in the district – equating to about 55,000 – moorland flood alleviation work and adding more electric vehicles to the council’s fleet.

Council chiefs say paying by direct debit is quick and safe for householders and saves the authority money, enabling more funds to be spent on essential services.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, council leader, 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 tax payer money as it’s cheaper for us to administer.

“In return, we are committing to plant a tree to support the district’s climate emergency ambition for every additional household which 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.”

Visit bradford.gov.uk/directdebit.