AS THE cost of living crisis continues to bite, over 44,700 households across Stratford district should now have received their council tax rebate.
Stratford District Council (SDC) has announced that all eligible residents for the £150 non-repayable rebate for households in England, in council tax bands A to D, should now have received it.
This has amounted to a payout of over £5.74million from the government provided grant. However, SDC had to stump up an extra £17,850 out of its own coffers as there were more eligible properties than advised by the government.
This additional money will be paid back by the government in due course.
Coun Jo Barker, homes, health and wellbeing spokesperson, said: “With winter just around the corner and the rising cost of living beginning to bite, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to make sure everyone who was entitled to the energy rebate has received the £150 to put towards their energy bills.
“Credit must also go to the district council’s revenues team for getting the payments swiftly out the door and into people’s accounts.”
The government announced in March that most households in England in council tax bands A to D would be eligible for a £150 rebate to help with the soaring costs of fuel bills, to be administered via the council tax system.
Councils were set a deadline to ensure all payments were made by September 30.
While, in Stratford district there is also a discretionary scheme totaling £252,000 which runs until the end of November to help struggling households. To date, £245,000 has been paid out, with the remainder being paid soon.
SDC has also produced a leaflet to signpost residents to government and local support packages, as well as organisations that are able to offer advice during these difficult times.
For further help and advice visit the Financial and Wellbeing Support page on SDC’s website and complete the customer referral form to access free help and support with money or housing issues, training, finding a job and general wellbeing.
