WILTSHIRE Council is advising households eligible for the energy rebate announced by the Government, that those who pay their council tax via direct debit will start to receive their rebate payment from the end of April.
In February, the Government announced that all households in England whose primary residence is in council tax bands A to D are entitled to a one-off council tax energy rebate payment of £150.
Wiltshire Council will be using the bank details of those who are set-up to pay their council tax by direct debit to pay the rebate money into their accounts.
Wiltshire Council says, “Around 80% of households in Wiltshire choose to pay council tax by direct debit as it is a safe, simple and quick way to pay and there is still time for people to sign up to pay their council tax by direct debit if they haven’t already.
“There are around 40,000 households eligible for the energy rebate that don’t currently pay their council tax by direct debit, and it will take a little longer to make payment to these households.
“A letter will be sent to these households inviting them to submit their bank details so that this one off payment can be paid into their bank account. People will be able to submit their details via the council’s website, or send their details to us, however submission via the website is the most secure method. People do not need to call us; we will write to them before the end of April.
“There are also a number of households in Wiltshire that do not pay council tax because they receive a council tax reduction. We will be writing these households and inviting them to provide their bank details so that the energy rebate can be paid to them.
“Households who don’t contact Wiltshire Council, will have their council tax account credited with £150 before the scheme ends in September.”
Leader of Wiltshire Council, cllr Richard Clewer, adds, “It’s our aim to get the energy rebate money to people as soon as possible from April, but if those who aren’t already paying their council tax via direct debit can sign up to do so, that will make the process a lot easier for everyone.
“With the cost of living rising, we recognise how difficult it is for some people at the moment and we’ll work really hard to get all the money out promptly.
“Administrating the rebate funding is a huge undertaking and we really appreciate people’s patience as we work our way through it as quickly as we can.”
To set up a direct debit, people should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefits-council-tax.
Updates on the rebate and discretionary funding will be posted on the Wiltshire Council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council-tax-energy-rebate.
If anyone is worried the council has a dedicated webpage with useful information and the support available. People should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/worried-about-money.
