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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Levi Winchester

Thousands of homes told to pay back £150 council tax rebate after huge payment error

Thousands of households have been told to pay back the £150 council tax rebate after they were sent the cash in error.

Residents in North Lincolnshire who live in council tax band E properties were sent the money by mistake.

The £150 rebate is only for those who live in council tax bands A to D - although you may be eligible for support through a separate discretionary fund.

Around 3,000 households were accidentally sent the money last week on June 9. One resident shared the letter detailing the mistake with the BBC.

It reads: "We have identified that your household recently received a £150 energy rebate payment.

"Regrettably, this payment has been made in error and is repayable because your property is in Band E."

The letter goes on to explain that the £150 will be recovered through a single direct debit instalment on July 4.

A spokesperson from North Lincolnshire council said: "Due to a processing error a number of households in Band E properties not eligible for the £150 energy rebate received it.

"We have contacted these people directly to explain the situation, detail how the money is to be recovered and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

More than 33,000 residents in Swale, Kent were affected by an error processing payments in May.

And around 25,000 households in Leeds were paid the council tax rebate twice by accident in April.

Who is eligible for the £150 council tax rebate?

Those who live in properties in council tax bands A, B, C or D in England and Wales - roughly 80% of all homes - will receive the rebate.

Scotland residents are also entitled to £150 off if they are in bands A to D - but they'll also qualify for the original rebate if they currently receive Council Tax Support as well.

If you’re in a council tax property with a band E, F, G and H (or I as well, in Wales) you won’t be eligible for the payment.

Instead, households that are struggling to afford their bills are being urged to apply for support through a £144million discretionary fund.

Those who are not eligible for the £150 will be able to apply, like those living in council tax bands E to H.

But some councils are also giving out extra money for those households who have received the original £150 rebate as well.

The money doesn't need to be paid back. We've got more information on how to lower your council tax bill here.

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