William Eichler 17 May 2022

Poorest households struggle to get £150 energy rebate

Poorest households struggle to get £150 energy rebate image
Image: tommaso79/Shutterstock.com.

The poorest households are struggling to get the £150 energy rebate that local authorities have been tasked with paying, an energy charity has warned.

The council tax rebate scheme has been introduced to support households in England who are struggling to cover the cost of energy in the wake of the April price cap rise.

Under the scheme, councils will issue a £150 rebate to households in council tax bands A to D. Local authorities have been allocated just over £28m to help cover the costs of administrating the scheme.

The charity National Energy Action has, however, warned that councils all have a different way of administering the scheme which has created a ‘postcode lottery’.

It also said that many people outside of tax bands A to D are struggling to get by.

‘The Government’s response to the energy crisis has been wholly inadequate so far. We’ve got serious concerns about the way the council tax rebate will be implemented,’ said Adam Scorer, chief executive of National Energy Action.

‘Councils across the country will have their own way of administering the scheme, creating a postcode lottery for struggling households.

‘The rebate doesn’t apply to those outside council tax bands A-D. While the Treasury said that there would be money for other vulnerable households outside of the eligibility, they will often need to self-identify, rather than just getting the rebate automatically, which could see desperate households slipping through the cracks.

‘It’s estimated that over 600,000 low-income households fall outside of bands A-D, and many of those will not have access to the support.’

Cllr Shaun Davies, chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, said: 'Councils know that this year will be tougher than most, particularly for those on lower incomes, have worked hard to get energy rebate payments out to millions of eligible households. This has been a significant task and not without its challenges.

'Many residents who are signed up to direct debit will have already started to receive their rebate. Some councils have begun making payments this month to allow software to be fully tested and to ensure April direct debit payments are not recalled and many are now also focusing on contacting those eligible who do not pay their council tax by direct debit.

'Councils are also setting up their local schemes to offer discretionary help to households who are not eligible under the terms of the rebate scheme, but who are struggling to meet the costs of rising energy bills.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Services Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,183 - £25,584
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Services Support Officer to join our Environment Directorate. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner