Wiltshire Council responds to Government announcement on council tax rebate in response to rising energy costs

Following an announcement from the Chancellor that certain households will be entitled to a £150 council tax rebate, Wiltshire Council will confirm with residents how this process will be managed locally as soon as Government guidance is available.

Due to the impending rise of energy costs, the Government is rolling out The Energy Bills rebate, which includes a £150 rebate on council tax for those in bands A-D, with discretionary funding of £144m available for local authorities to support individuals on low incomes that do not pay council tax, or that pay council tax for properties on Bands E-H.

At this stage, the council is still awaiting details of how the Government support will be rolled out, so residents are asked not to contact them with questions as more information on how this support will be made available will be shared as soon as possible.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council Leader and Interim Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "We welcome the Government's announcement of more support for families at a difficult time when the cost of living is rising, as we know it will be a concerning time for many people.

"However, we found out about this announcement at the same time as everyone else, so we await further guidance and clarification and when we have that we'll then be in a position to manage the process and ensure this financial support gets to the right people.

"We don't know the timescales of when this money will be available yet but as soon as we do we'll let people know. We anticipate council tax bills will go out as normal and there will then be separate correspondence about the additional support. We really appreciate everyone's patience."

More information about the Government's announcement can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-to-receive-350-boost-to-help-with-rising-energy-costs.