Thousands of families on low incomes and pensioners will receive an extra £30 off their Council Tax bills to help with the rising cost of living in a new support scheme.

Around 30,200 households already receiving Council Tax Reduction, a type of benefit that reduces bills for those on low incomes, will automatically receive the payment on top of the £150 rebate announced by the government – saving them a total of £180 this year.

The government decided last month that Council Tax payers in Band A to D properties (around 4 in 5 households) will receive a payment of £150 to support them with rising energy costs. 

The Council’s extra payment is part of a £1.9million fund agreed by the Cabinet last night, which also decided other support for those not covered by the government’s £150 announcement, including:  

• Nearly 3,200 households in larger homes (Council Tax bands E-H) not eligible for the Government’s scheme, but who receive Council Tax Reduction, will also receive a £150 payment
• Residents who move into the borough during the year ahead and are eligible for Council Tax Reduction will receive a part-payment depending on when they move
• Around 2,000 families who receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing costs, but don’t pay Council Tax directly – for instance because their landlord pays it for them – will be able to apply for a £150 payment

The £1.9million scheme is funded by the government, with councils given local discretion who should receive extra payments. 

Households who pay Council Tax by direct debit, or receive Housing Benefit, will receive the payments automatically. Other residents will need to apply online, and further information will be available soon on this process. A dedicated phone line and access to face-to-face appointments with the Council’s customer services team, and local advice charities, will also be available.

Find out more information on the £150 Council Tax Rebate page.