The Government has announced a council tax rebate to help people deal with rising energy costs – and here’s how households in the borough are set to benefit…
Depending on the council tax band of your property, you may qualify for a £150 payment from the council, which you do not need to pay back.
You will be eligible if your property is in Council Tax bands A to D or band E with a Disabled Band Reduction and the property is your sole or main residence, but empty properties or second homes will not qualify for the rebate.
You will still be eligible for a rebate even if you pay less than £150 council tax, receive a single person discount, or do not pay because you receive council tax support.
Households struggling with their energy bills may also get support even if they live in a higher council tax band, as the council has a Discretionary Fund to help residents in these higher bands.
The rebate will be paid automatically, between May and September, to households who pay by Direct Debit, but you will need to complete a form if you pay another way. The council’s discretionary scheme is currently being developed and the application form for this will be live shortly.
Households in council tax bands E to H that receive Local Council Tax Support, who are suffering financial hardship due to the increase in energy costs, can apply for a discretionary £150 payment. Only applicants struggling to meet increased energy costs with capital less than £6,000 will be considered.
The discretionary scheme has a limited amount of funding and will only run until all the money has been distributed.
Cllr Sue Lissimore, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “The cost of living increases due to rising energy bills and inflation are a serious concern for many and we are doing all we can to ease the financial pressure for our residents.
“As well as the £150 rebate and discretionary payment for those who qualify, we are continuing to maintain our existing council tax relief scheme for residents on low incomes.
“Direct Debit is the easiest, safest, and securest way of paying your council tax and the quickest way of getting your rebate after May 2022.
“Please don’t worry if you cannot pay in this way – you won’t miss out on the payment, it will simply take a little longer to process.”
Page last reviewed: 20 April 2022