Laura Sharman 02 March 2022

MP calls for clarity on support for councils to manage tax rebate

MP calls for clarity on support for councils to manage tax rebate image
Image: Vitalii Vodolazskyi / Shutterstock.com

The Government has been urged to explain what support local authorities will receive to help manage the burden of administrating the £150 council tax rebate scheme.

Clive Betts, chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee, has written to Michael Gove to raise a series of concerns about the rebate.

This includes how qualifying households without a bank account will receive the payment, the access to the rebate for those not paying their council tax by direct debit, and what happens if a landlord pays the council tax on behalf of their tenant.

Mr Betts also asks the secretary of state about the burden placed on local authorities of 'managing the allocation of 20 million one-off payments'.

'The Government has made significant efforts to get good headlines for introducing the £150 rebate. However, it has now left local authorities with the headache of managing the allocation of these payments,' said Mr Betts.

'Additionally, it has now emerged that access to the rebate will be difficult for those who do not pay through direct debit. The Government needed to ensure that qualifying households received prompt support, but have instead imposed the burden of responsibility and bureaucracy on to local authorities.

He added: 'The rebate is welcome but we need to know more from Whitehall about what they are doing to support local councils deliver this policy and provide firm assurances that councils will not be hit by further costs from administering the rebates.'

Councils are urging residents to set up a direct debit to pay their council tax bill in order to get the £150 energy rebate payment as quickly as possible.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Collections Assistant

Oxfordshire County Council
£10233 - £10561
About the Role The Collections Assistant supports the care and access of our museum collection. This is a hands-on role that works closely with colleagues and volunteers on collections care, assisting preventive conservation and looking after the collect Museum Resource Centre, Standlake
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Children, Adult and Health

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Are you looking to progress your career in Law?  If so, we are looking for a Lawyer working within our Children, Adults and Health Team within Legal S Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Team Leaders – Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area   Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Recycling Assistant

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022
New Government legislation called ‘Simpler Recycling’ means councils across England must reduce the amount of waste being disposed of and increase wha Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Caretaker

Durham County Council
£25,583 - £26,824
Caretaker Grade 4    £25,583 - £26,824 Permanent Full Time, Whole Time Required from 1st January 2026 We wish to appoint an enthusiastic and talented Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner