Council tax rebate to help with your energy bills
The Government have announced a £150 Utility Energy Rebate for certain households. This is to help with the rising costs of your energy bills.
Please note that the payment has not been included within your 2022/23 council tax bill. It will be sent to you separately.
Why is the Government providing support?
From 1 April 2022 the energy price cap will rise, and many households will struggle to pay higher energy bills and to heat their homes.
Who will receive this £150 rebate (payment)?
Most households in council tax bands A to D will qualify for a rebate (payment) of £150, if they are occupied as a sole or main residence on 1 April 2022. This will not have to be repaid even if your circumstances change after that date.
If you don’t know which band your property is in, look on your latest council tax bill or check your council tax band online.
If you pay less than £150 council tax, or you receive single person discount, or do not pay because you receive council tax reduction, you will still be entitled to the payment.
What about second homes and empty properties?
The payment will not be made for second homes or empty properties.
What about service personnel?
The Ministry of Defence will be in touch with the residents of armed forces accommodation that is exempt under class O about corresponding cost of living support.
When will I get the £150?
We hope that eligible households, who pay by Direct Debit, will receive their payment shortly after the date of their first instalment in April.
Council taxpayers who pay by other means will be contacted by email, if we hold those details, or by letter outlining the application process to receive payment.
Please make sure that any electronic communication you receive is from Richmondshire.gov.uk before providing any payment details.
Alternatively, you may choose to have the payment credited to your council tax account.
Does this mean I don’t have to pay my council tax bill?
No. You still must pay your council tax bill as per the amounts and dates shown on your bill. Please contact us if you are struggling to pay.
I do not qualify for the £150. Can I still get help?
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 to H. We will provide more details on how this will operate in your area as soon as we have the details.
I would like my council tax band to be reviewed
The Government has decided that any review, proposal, or appeal made to the Valuation Office Agency on or after 3 February 2022 will not result in a £150 payment, even if the council tax band is reduced to band D or lower.
We advise you to not contact the Valuation Office Agency to enquire about a band review, proposal, or challenge specifically to become eligible for the £150.
Update on rebate payment dates
Details of when rebate payments will be paid to those paying by Direct Debit, as well as the application process for those who do not pay by Direct Debit, can be viewed on our council tax energy rebate update page.
Where can I find out more information?
There is more information about the £150 Utility Energy Rebate, and other ways the Government is helping with rising energy costs, on the GOV.UK website.