Martin Lewis has shared a helpful for tips for homeowners which could see them get £150 straight into their bank. The Money Saving Expert founder issued the advice ahead of the energy price cap increase on April 1, which will see energy bills rise by as much as 54 per cent.
The cap, which is currently reviewed twice yearly, sets a limit on the rates that a supplier can charge for each unit of gas and electricity used. Ahead of the changes, Martin Lewis shared energy saving tips with MyLondon at the Ideal Home Show 2022.
He has urged households to sign up to pay their council tax by direct debit as soon as possible, as this could land them with £150 in a very simple way. Those not paying council tax by direct debit should consider signing up as soon as possible, as then the recently announced government refund of £150 towards energy bills will go straight into your bank account.
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He said that if you don't do this, then the process may become more complicated. “In April, for those in band A to D council tax in England, and similar schemes in Scotland and Wales (we don’t yet know for Northern Ireland), you are going to be given £150 towards your council tax, actually to help with your energy bills - this is part of the government scheme,” explained the expert.
“Now, importantly, if you pay council tax by direct debit, that will be paid into your bank account. If you don’t pay by direct debit, you might want to think about setting up one very quickly - I don’t know the exact deadlines because it’s council by council.
“If you don’t set that up, do watch out because your council will contact you to tell you how to claim the £150 and you don’t want to miss out on it.” The expert went on to explain what those not eligible for the £150 should do.
“If you’re not in band A to D,” he said “then the government is setting up a £140 million discretionary fund for the people who are struggling but are not eligible for the £150. So, if that’s you, say you’re in Band D and you’ve really got no money, make sure in April you contact your local council because they’re the ones distributing £150 and see if they’ll give it to you.
"You might not get the whole amount, but they can give you up to £150. Each council has its own terms as to who will get the money there.” Other advice that he gave included topping up your metre and ensuring you do a metre reading before the end of the month, as well as using less water.
