Householders can apply for help with their council tax after a package of measures was announced by the Government. The Energy Bills Rebate was announced as part of a wider package in February.
People living in band A-D or Band E with a disabled relief properties can apply for help through the scheme. It's not a reduction in the amount of council tax you are pay, but a £150 one-off payment to be made directly to a person liable to pay council tax subject to the following qualifying criteria.
The payment will be paid directly into the bank account of those who are eligible, and those eligible are urged to sign up as soon as possible in order that energy rebate can be paid as soon as possible.
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Nottingham City Council has provided some information on how to apply and who qualifies for the rebate. We've also had a look at the total amounts available for each part of the county.
Who will qualify?
Properties that are your main home and banded A-D or Band E with a disabled relief. Find out what band you are in. Second homes and unoccupied properties are excluded. Properties that are exempt from Council Tax but will still qualify for the rebate include:
- Students
- Severally Mentally Impaired
- Occupied Annexe
- Occupied by persons under the age of 18
How will I receive the rebate?
For people who pay council tax by direct debit, in most cases, the rebate will go directly into bank accounts in April. Nottingham City Council asks that people do contact them to chase payment,. They say: "We will get it to you as soon as possible. We recommend that you sign up to Direct Debit to receive your payment as soon as possible. If you do not pay by direct debit we will shortly be contacting you to advise how you can apply."
Why isn’t the £150 rebate showing on my Council Tax bill?
The payment will be paid to directly into your bank account if you pay by Direct Debit and will not show on your bill as a reduction in the amount you pay. The council states: "If you do not pay your council tax by Direct Debit, we will contact you to arrange payment. You must pay your Council Tax amount as stated on the bill. The easiest way to receive your £150 payment is to sign up to direct debit, it also means you can spread your Council Tax payments over 12 months if you wish. To sign up click here and this will allow us to pay your energy rebate to you as soon as possible."
What if I am not eligible?
A fund has been provided to councils to help lower income households who may not qualify for the Energy Bill Rebate. This will include households who are on lower incomes or in receipt of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) and who are in higher than band D property. Further information on this discretionary fund will be available in the coming weeks.
What other support is available for households with their energy bills?
The government announced a £200 discount on energy bills this autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain. This will be paid back automatically over the next five years being spread over equal payments.
How much each local authority in Nottinghamshire has got:
| Local Authority | Discretionary Fund (£) | Non-Discretionary Fund (£) | Total Fund (£) |
|---|
| Ashfield | 256,050 | 8,003,250 | 8,259,300 |
| Bassetlaw | 216,000 | 7,086,300 | 7,302,300 |
| Broxtowe | 148,650 | 6,800,400 | 6,949,050 |
| Gedling | 172,800 | 6,884,700 | 7,057,500 |
| Mansfield | 229,800 | 7,059,000 | 7,288,800 |
| Newark and Sherwood | 195,900 | 6,929,400 | 7,125,300 |
| Nottingham UA | 847,050 | 19,875,600 | 20,722,650 |
| Rushcliffe | 130,950 | 5,527,500 | 5,658,450 |
