By Dean Dunham 27 February 2022
Households in England in council tax bands A to D will be entitled to a £150 rebate in April. Here’s what you need to know:
How do I claim the rebate?
If you pay your council tax by direct debit your local authority will automatically credit your account. If you do not pay by direct debit you have to provide them with your bank details.
It is worth noting that direct debit customers will receive their rebates in April, whereas those who are not paying via direct debit could have to wait up till September for their money.
Is this a loan?
Lots of people have been asking me this question due to the new £200 energy bill levy which clearly is a loan that will have to be repaid. The good news is that the council tax rebate is not a loan and therefore does not need to be repaid.
What about homeowners in Scotland and Wales?
Scottish and Welsh households will also receive the £150 rebate. In Scotland households will receive the rebate in the same way as in England, although Scottish councils will be able to decide whether to give cash rebates or credit off existing council tax bills. The position as how the rebate will be paid in Wales has not yet been announced.
My advice for anyone who does not pay by direct debt is to set up direct debit payments now so that you receive your rebate in April. If this is a method of payment you do not like you can always cancel the direct debit after your rebate has been received.
