Letters sent to people that don't pay council tax by direct debit about energy rebate

Wiltshire Council is writing to all households eligible for the £150 Government energy rebate that don't pay their council tax by direct debit, explaining what they need to do to claim the one-off payment.

In February, the Government announced that all households in England whose primary residence is in council tax bands A to D are entitled to a one-off council tax energy rebate payment of £150.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: "Around 150,000 households in Wiltshire are eligible for the rebate. We have already paid out over £15.6 million to 104,000 eligible households who pay their council tax by direct debit. It's been a tremendous effort from the team to pay all that money out in a short space of time and I thank them for their efforts.

"We are now writing to around 43,000 eligible households that don't pay their council tax by direct debit, inviting them to submit their bank details so that this one-off payment can be paid into their bank account.

"People will be able to submit their details via the council's website, or send their details to the council, however submission via the website is the most secure method. Assistance will also be available at local libraries to provide further help to those without internet access."

There are a number of households in Wiltshire that do not pay council tax because they receive a council tax reduction. The council will also be writing to these households and inviting them to provide their bank details so that the energy rebate can be paid to them.

Wiltshire Council will not be telephoning people to ask for their bank details. There have been reports of telephone scams in other parts of the country. No calls of this nature have been reported in Wiltshire but anyone receiving a telephone call about the energy rebate should not give their bank details and should hang up and contact the revenues team at Wiltshire Council on 0300 456 0109.

Cllr Richard Clewer added: "Wiltshire Council is committed to protecting those who are most vulnerable in our community, and we know that with many household bills having increased in the last few months, that this money will be very welcomed by people. That is why we are working to pay this money out to people as quickly as we can, but it is a huge administrative undertaking and we really appreciate people's patience as we work to make payments as quickly as we can."

The Government has given the council a discretionary fund to help households on low incomes who live in properties in bands E-H.Updates on the rebate and discretionary funding will be posted on the Wiltshire Council website at Council tax reduction (CTR) later this month.

If anyone is worried, the council has a dedicated webpage with useful information and the support available. People should visit https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/worried-about-money.