Martin Lewis has told how millions not entitled to the £150 council tax rebate can still get help with their energy bills if they are struggling to pay.
The rebated is being awarded to homes in council tax bands A, B, C or D in England and Wales - roughly 80% of properties - but not those who live in bands E, F, G and H (or I as well, in Wales). Scotland residents will also be entitled to £150 off if they are in bands A to D - but they'll also qualify if they're currently getting a council tax reduction as well.
However, for those struggling to pay their bills, and don’t fall into any of the categories above, then they may be able to apply for help through a separate pot of funding.
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Councils in England will receive a share of a £144million discretionary fund - this will be used to provide support for vulnerable people on low incomes that do not pay council tax, or that pay council tax for properties in Bands E to H. Here's how it works:
Local authorities have until November 30, 2022 to make payments through this scheme, reports The Mirror.
Flagging the scheme in a new tweet on Thursday morning, Martin said: “Struggling to pay energy bills, but not in council tax bands A-D, so not due the £150 payment?
“Councils got £144m discretionary fund, to give up to £150 to people in this situation
“Check out how to apply (though some are very slow to get any of this scheme's money out).“
The exact eligibility criteria for the discretionary funding is being set by each council. This means you’ll need to get in contract with your local authority, or check their website, to see if you qualify for support.
For example, the City of Bradford Council Metropolitan District Council has split its eligibility criteria into different groups. Those who are council tax payers whose sole or main residence is in a band E to H property and are in receipt of a means tested council tax reduction will receive £175.
“This does not apply to those taxpayers who are receipt of a single person discount, as this is not means tested,” the council said.
Council tax payers who receive a means tested council tax reduction in property bands A to D will receive £25, on top of the £150 they already received as part of the original rebate.
Gedling Borough Council will pay £173 to households receiving council tax support in property bands E to H. An extra £23 will also be given to households who are in bands A to D that are receiving council tax support, giving a total rebate of £173.
But not all councils have decided who will spend the funding just yet. On the Lambeth Council website it says: “Details of the discretionary fund and who is eligible to apply will be published here once available.”
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