THE highly-anticipated council tax energy rebate is due to start being paid out across Brighton and Hove this month.

The Government announced the rebate support earlier this year in response to soaring energy bills, with payments administered by local authorities for all households in council tax bands A to D.

This means four out of five households in England will benefit, including around 95% of rented properties. However, second homes or empty properties will not benefit. 

Councils have until September 30, to pay the £150 rebate to all eligible residents and the one off payment does not need to be repaid. 

How to save money on your energy bills

It is available for all households in bands A to D including those who receive Local Council Tax Support, even if their council tax bill is less than £150 for the year.

How will the council tax rebate be paid? 

In Brighton and Hove, people who pay their council tax by Direct Debit will have the £150 paid into their bank account automatically. 

 If you don’t already pay by direct debit, you might want to sign up to the service. This will make sure the rebate is paid to you quickly.

For those who do not pay council tax via direct debit, Brighton and Hove Council will confirm how the rebate will be paid to you - it has not yet given details on this. 

What to do if you’re not eligible for the council tax rebate? 

Councils will receive an extra £144 million to provide support to vulnerable households who may not qualify for the £150 council tax rebate.

This includes people on low incomes in council tax bands E-H.

How do I know what council tax band I am in?

You can check by visiting the Government website here.

Scam warning to all residents waiting for the council tax rebate

Councils have warned residents of criminals cold-calling householders asking for bank details to receive the Government’s £150 energy rebate - local authorities stressed that they would never ask for bank details over the phone.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said anyone who unexpectedly receives a text, email or phone call seeking information or payment should not give out personal information, including bank details, click any links or respond until they can be sure it is genuine.

If in doubt, householders should find the details online of the organisation claiming to be in contact and check with them directly.

“If you get sent a message that you believe to be fraudulent, you can report it to your mobile phone provider or by forwarding the message to 7726, a free reporting service provided by phone operators.

“You should also report the scam to Action Fraud to help others avoid falling victim in the future.”