How will the council tax rebate be paid in Southampton?

The Government announced the rebate support earlier this year in response to soaring energy bills, with payments administered by local authorities for all households in council tax bands A to D.

This means 4 out of 5 households in England will benefit, including around 95 per cent of rented properties. However, second homes or empty properties will not benefit. 

Councils have until September 30 to pay the £150 rebate to all eligible residents and the one off payment does not need to be repaid. 

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READ MORE: Council tax for Southampton City Council and England authorities

It is available for all households in bands A to D including those who receive Local Council Tax Support, even if their council tax bill is less than £150 for the year.

How will the council tax rebate be paid? 

In Southampton, people who pay their council tax by Direct Debit will have the £150 paid into their bank account automatically. 

A council spokesperson said: “Payments will be made directly into your account from late April 2022. Payment will be made automatically into a liable or jointly liable person’s bank account, which must be the same account that the council tax payment is being made from." 

How to save money on your energy bills

If you don't pay council tax by direct debit?

A letter will be sent to you in the post by the end of April with a bar code that you can take to your local post office, with identification and you will receive £150 in cash.

If you have not cashed your payment within 28 days Southampton City Council will credit your council tax account will the sum of £150.

What to do if you’re not eligible for the council tax rebate? 

If your property is in council tax band E to H and you are on council tax support, you will also receive a payment of £150 through the methods outlined above.

If you do not pay council tax there will be a discretionary scheme for households and full details of this scheme will be available by 25 April 2022.

How do I know what council tax band I am in?

You can check by visiting the gov website here. 

Council tax rebate scam warning

Councils have warned residents of criminals cold-calling householders asking for bank details to receive the Government’s £150 energy rebate - local authorities stressed that they would never ask for bank details over the phone.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said anyone who unexpectedly receives a text, email or phone call seeking information or payment should not give out personal information, including bank details, click any links or respond until they can be sure it is genuine.

Mohan Iyengar, vice-chairman of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Councils are working hard to ensure eligible residents receive their energy rebate payments as soon as possible, however criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to take advantage of the financial worries people are facing and as a result many of these scams look legitimate on first impression.

“Anyone can fall victim to a scam, and we urge people of all ages to brush up on the tell-tale signs, and the support available to those who need it."

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