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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Team Manager - Care Leavers Team

Nottingham City Council
£53,051 - £56,293
As Team Manager for the Care Leavers Team, you will lead and support a dedicated team working with young people transitioning from care into adulthood Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Technician

Essex County Council
£32086.00 - £37748.00 per annum
TechnicianPermanent, Full Time£32,086 up to £37,748 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Communications Officer

Essex County Council
£37226.7100 - £42110.5400 per annum
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Communications Officer, a full-time position offe England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Technical Support Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £150.0000 per day
Technical Support Officer - Harlow District Council Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary - 37.5 Hours per week12 Month Contract £116.96 PAYE / £150.00 England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner