As part of its targeted response to rising energy bills, the government has introduced a council tax rebate payment to help residents with rising energy costs, known as the Energy Rebate.
We have been working in line with government guidance to deliver the payments to residents as quickly as possible. We would have liked to do this earlier, but we had to be sure the new payment system works - we’ve seen instances elsewhere where there have been mistakes which we obviously want to avoid.
The revenues and benefits team have been working tirelessly to make sure we can make the payment by the end of April, and we’re grateful for their efforts.
We have made 33,563 payments today to those who are eligible for the government's £150 Energy Rebate payment and who pay by Direct Debit. This should appear in people’s bank accounts next week.
A further 21,000 households who do not pay their council tax by Direct Debit will be able to claim the rebate through a form on our website next week, and we will be writing to let them know where to find the form.
Please remember that we will not call you and ask for bank details - so please pass on this message ‘do not give out any details to anyone claiming to be calling from the council'.
Updates will be available on our website, and we will be issuing further messages throughout the process.
Cllr Alan Horton - Swale Borough Council
Ward Councillor serving Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch
