A MILLION families are set to miss out on Rishi Sunak’s energy giveaway worth £150 to help deal with soaring bills, we can reveal.
The Treasury will hold on to £195 million from the lack of take-up on the government’s flagship scheme.
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The startling figures were uncovered in the small print of a report by the financial watchdog which accompanied the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.
Two-thirds of council taxpayers who use direct debit for their council tax bills will automatically benefit – but a huge swathe of the country are set to miss out.
But one in five households, around 1.3 million eligible families, who don’t use the scheme are expected not to take up the offer.
The detail was uncovered in a dossier published by the Office of Budget Responsibility which says 7 per cent of the total £2.9 billion won’t be paid out.
Critics last night said those most affected by the poor take-up will be older and more deprived families – also the same group badly hit by rising electricity and gas prices.
Ministers announced last month that households would be entitled to a £150 council tax rebate for those living in bands A to D and a temporary £200 loan which is payable over the next five years.
A study by the OBR into the £200 discount on energy bills being provided which is paid back over the next five years means more than half the support provided is being clawed back.
Opposition parties last night ordered the government to write a £150 cheque to each household that doesn’t pay by direct debit to ensure no one misses out.
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Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said: “It is staggering that over one million families are set to miss out because of this Conservative government’s half-baked plans.
“Often those who don’t pay council tax by direct debit are older and more deprived, meaning some of these households are likely to be among the most vulnerable in the country.
“People are facing sky-rocketing bills and plummeting living standards, but it looks like even the meagre support on offer from the Conservatives won’t reach those who need it most.
“Rishi Sunak must confirm that anyone who misses out on the rebate will get their £150 cheque in the post.
“No-one should go without the help they need because of this Conservative government’s incompetence.”
A government spokesman said: “The £150 council tax rebate will help millions of people deal with rising living costs, particularly those on the lowest incomes.
“A £144 million Discretionary Fund will also be given to councils to use as they see fit, including to provide help to tenants who are not the council tax payer.
“Councils have engaged positively in delivering the rebate scheme and we are confident that payments will be made within the timescales set out in the guidance.”
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
