Around four million homes have reportedly still not received the £150 council tax rebate from the Government - meaning they may now have to put in an application to get hold of the money. The payment was first announced earlier this year as a way of helping with their energy bills amid the cost of living crisis.
Government figures show that 15.3 million households, around 80% of those eligible, have had the rebate, The Mirror reports. This leaves around four million outstanding.
It is understood that many of the homes still waiting may not pay their council tax by direct debit. People who use this method to pay will already have given their bank details to their local council, making it easier for the authority to pay the £150 automatically.
Those who live in properties in council tax bands A, B, C or D in England and Wales are eligible. The deadline for receiving the money is September 30; the first payments began to be sent out on April 1.
Anyone looking for information about timescales or any issues affecting the payment of the rebate should visit their local council's website, which should have dedicated page about the initiative, or give them a call. The Gov.uk website has details of council websites.
The Government is giving vulnerable households support worth £1,200 this year. As well as the £150 council tax rebate, this includes a one-off £650 payment to low-income households on benefits.
Pensioners will also receive a £300 payment in November/December alongside the winter fuel payment, while £150 will be paid by September to individuals receiving disability benefits. Every household in the country will get a £400 discount on energy bills.
