Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK will not get the £150 off gas and electricity bills promised by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week, experts have revealed.
The rebate which is designed to take the 'sting' out of the cost of rising energy bills - which is set to increase by 54% from April 1 - will be given back to people in a reduction of their council tax bills in April.
However, there are hundreds of thousands of people who will not qualify for the cash, reports WalesOnline.
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The money will only go to people whose homes are in Council Tax bands A-D, which automatically disqualifies 20% of the country.
The money will also not go directly to people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where Council Tax rules are devolved - the authorities have yet to explain how they will assist people in need as energy bills go up.
The money will not go to tenants whose council tax bills are included in their rent - the money will instead go to their landlords.
Darren Baxter, Joseph Rowntree Foundation charity’s housing policy and partnerships manager, said: “For renters or sharers whose bills are included in their rent, the benefit of the rebate and loans won’t come to them and some landlords may still increase rents to make up any shortfall.”
Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier told The Guardian : “They’re using the council tax account as a way of getting money to people, so if you’re not paying council tax directly or don’t have an account, presumably you are not getting any money.”
The Resolution Foundation said 640,000 households in England are in properties rated E and above, but are living in poverty.
And it says it will be hard to get the Council Tax rebate to the 25% of customers who do not pay by direct debit.
Students will also not be helped as they are exempt from paying council tax.
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