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

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Streetwork Inspector

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,113 to £43,680 including London Weighting
Communities, Environment, and Central have a vacancy in its Network Management Division Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Product Manager

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO5 - £52,194 to £55,323.
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Delivery Manager

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO4 - £49,056 to £52,194
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Air Traffic Services Assistant (Air Traffic Services)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £34,434 - £38,221 (pay award pending)
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is preparing to relaunch, in preparation for this we are seeking to appoint a Senior Air Traffic Services Assistant Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner