Update on the £150 Council Tax Energy Rebate

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has now paid out over £4.26 million to 28,445 eligible households for the £150 council tax energy rebate.  These payments have been made to those residents who currently pay their council tax by direct debit.

For those eligible households that don't pay their council tax by direct debit, they will be receiving a letter providing them with all the information needed to make a claim.

These 9,000 residents will be required to complete an on-line form, which is now available on the District Council's website - www.stratford.gov.uk/energyrebate

Cllr Jo Barker, Homes, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio said: "With so many people trying to keep on top of rising energy bills, it's essential that the hardest hit receive help and I'm pleased we are able to deliver this rebate to thousands of households in Stratford-on-Avon District.

"Paying council tax by direct debit ensures that this money is received without delay. However, this payment method may not suit everyone and those without direct debit should keep a look out for a letter from us with details about how to get their rebate.

"We are trying to make this process simple and straightforward and will be working with other support agencies, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, to ensure everyone that is entitled can receive the rebate. 

"We will also need to ask some residents for new information, so that we can make this payment to them. The team will be asking some residents who are eligible, but do not already pay by direct debit to provide us with their bank details which we will then need to verify and keep securely. 

"The Government has also said we are not allowed to automatically make payment where the bank account name and the name on the council tax account don't match (even where we have successfully collected council tax).  In these cases, we will be writing to residents to confirm the bank account to be used for payment."

Please note: The District Council will not telephone, email or text anyone to ask for their bank details.

Help is available for residents that may need support completing the form online by ringing the Council on 01789 267575 and if they are local to the District Council's office in Stratford-upon-Avon they can come in for assistance.

Cllr Barker continued: "There are lots of checks and balances that need to be made, but if you are entitled to this rebate payment don't worry, we will ensure that you do not miss out and will receive it.  We want every person who is entitled to this rebate to receive it."

The payments will appear on bank statements as 'SDC Energy Rebate'.

The District Council has also produced a leaflet for residents, signposting to the government and local support packages available to households, as well as organisations that are able to offer advice and support during these difficult times.

For more information please visit: Energy Rebate Scheme 2022 | Stratford-on-Avon District Council

About the Council Tax Energy Bills Rebate

On 3 February 2022 the Government announced a package of support which aims to help households with rising energy bills. 

Part of this provides funding for councils to give all households in England, whose main residence is listed in council tax bands A - D, a one-off non repayable payment of £150 from April 2022 to assist with the rise in energy costs.

The government have set council's a deadline to ensure all payments are made by 30 September 2022. 

Eligibility

You will receive the £150 energy rebate if all of the following apply: 

• your property is in Council Tax band A to D (or band E where there is a disabled band reduction)
• you are liable to pay Council Tax
• the property is your sole and main residence on 01 April 2022

You will not be eligible if: 

• your property is a second home
• your property was empty on 1 April 2022
• you are in Council Tax bands E to H (some band E properties are eligible where there is a disabled band reduction)
  
  

There are two options available for non-direct debit payers

• Option One - Choose to receive rebate into bank account
  
  Those residents who do not currently pay council tax by direct debit can now apply for the rebate to be paid into their bank account.
  Applications must be submitted by 31 July 2022 - Apply for the Council Tax Energy Rebate

• Option Two - Choose to receive rebate to reduce council tax bill
  
  Those residents who do not currently pay council tax by direct debit can request to
  have the amount credited to their council tax account - Reduce Council Tax Bill | Stratford-on-Avon District Council
  
  Once your account is credited, you will be sent an amended bill showing your revised instalments.