COUNCIL tax energy rebates will start to be paid in mid-April – and here is everything you need to know.

On February 3, the Government announced a Council Tax Energy Rebate scheme to support the many households dealing with the rising cost of household bills in 2022-2023, driven by increasing energy bills.

Residents paying council tax by Direct Debit will receive the Government’s £150 Tax Rebate in April in response to the rising costs of energy – there will be payments directly into bank accounts from mid-April to early May.

If a resident does not pay by Direct Debit, the council will be asking for bank details to be able to make the payment.

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for legal and finance said: “Rising costs are affecting most households across the country, but they are more likely to affect those on lower incomes, who tend to spend a higher proportion of their income on utility bills.

“Households living in band A to D properties will automatically qualify for this rebate.

“If we have a resident’s bank details (because they pay by Direct Debit) we will pay the money into their bank account.

“There will be no need for residents to chase this payment, and if we don't hold bank details, we will be in touch to get these from you.

“This is not a council tax discount and residents must continue to pay their council tax bill by the amounts and on the dates shown on their bill.”

Who can get the £150 energy rebate?

Households living in band A to D properties will automatically qualify for this rebate.

If a resident does not know which band their property is in, they can find it on their latest council tax bill or use UK.GOV to check.

Houses that are unoccupied or that are second/holiday homes will not be eligible to receive the energy rebate.

When will it be paid?

Payments will start in mid-April, directly into bank accounts for people who pay by Direct Debit.

If a resident does not pay by Direct Debit, they will be contacted to ask for bank details.

What is the timescale for making payment?

The council will use a rolling approach to making payments in line with Government guidance.

For Direct Debit payers, and as part of the bank account checks, payment will be made following the April instalment being successfully received to allow for any that fail

How will the payment be made?

If the council has a resident’s bank details (because they pay by Direct Debit) the money will be paid into their bank account.

If the bank details aren’t held, the council will be in touch to ask for them.

All residents who live in a property in band A-D have been advised how to set up a Direct Debit as this will ensure they receive the fuel payment quicker.

Does this mean residents do not have to pay their council tax bill?

No - residents must continue to pay their council tax bill by the amounts and on the dates shown on their bill.

Will a resident have to pay this money back?

No. This is not a loan it does not have to be paid back.

What about residents who are not in a band A to D, but still need help?

The Government has provided the council with a small amount of additional funding - £623,000 - to devise a discretionary scheme that can, in exceptional circumstances, top-up funding that has already been provided and/or help people living in Band E – H properties, who do not qualify for help under the main scheme.

The council has until September 30 to allocate this additional funding.

More information about the £150 Council Tax rebate, as well as other ways the government is helping with rising energy costs, is available on the UK.GOV website.