MILLIONS of households across the UK are still to receive the £150 council tax rebate.
Around 15million households of the roughly 20 million eligible have been paid the rebate.
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According to new data released today by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 80% of eligible households in England have been paid £150.
A total more than £2billion has been handed out to these households under the scheme.
And 90% of those who pay their council tax by direct debit have successfully received their rebate but the majority of those missing out on the scheme don’t.
This likely because these households have to actively apply for the rebate – which in some cases can be a lengthy process.
The rebate has been available to all eligible households since April 1 and local authorities have until September 30 to pay all eligible households.
Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark said: “The cost of living is at the forefront of everyone’s minds and the support the government has put in place is helping millions of households.
“We want to make sure everyone who is entitled to this cash receives it, so I urge people to check their bank accounts and speak to their council if they are yet to receive their £150 council tax rebate.”
Most councils have methods in place to pay those who don’t pay their council tax by direct debit.
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These methods range from allowing households to share their bank details with their local authority through an online form, or by simply sending households Post Office vouchers to redeem the cash in branch.
However, the DLUHC shockingly reports that four undisclosed councils still don’t have the processes in place to pay households who don’t pay their council tax by direct debit.
Check your local council’s website and social media pages for the latest updates on when you will get the cash if you’re still waiting.
What is the £150 Council Tax Rebate and who’s eligible?
The former Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced a cost of living support package which included a £150 council tax rebate for households in England, Scotland and Wales living in council tax bands A-D.
That amounts to around 80% of households in England, the government said.
You can find out which band you’re in by using the government’s search tool – just enter your postcode.
If you’re not eligible for the one-off payment you should check whether you qualify for any other help.
I don’t pay by direct debit, how do I get the cash?
Each council will have different systems, dates and processes to manage getting the payment to those who don’t pay their council tax by direct debit.
Most councils require that these households apply for the rebate on their local authorities website.
Applications allow your local authority to transfer the cash directly into your bank account.
The forms provide a secure way for you to share your bank account details with your council.
So far, over 40 councils have shut applications for the rebate.
If you didn’t apply in time, instead of being issued the £150 in cash, you’ll be credited the money to your council tax account and will see the amount come off your bill.
Other councils have automatically sent households a Post Office voucher valued at £150 – which households can take to branch and withdraw the cash.
However, make sure you redeem your voucher before its expiry date else you’ll lose access to the rebate in cash as it’ll be credited to your council tax account.
If you don’t live in a property in council tax bands A-D but are in need of extra support to help with the rising cost of living – discretionary funding is available.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households. You may get up to £300 to help with your bills.
What other cost of living support can I get?
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
