More than 9,000 residents who are on a low income or receive benefits and are eligible for council tax reduction are to receive an extra payment towards their energy costs.
The awards are being made by Bath & North East Somerset Council from the Government-funded discretionary council tax rebate fund, which did not receive as many applications as expected.
The discretionary council tax rebate fund was launched earlier this year and provided £150 to residents who did not qualify for the main energy rebate scheme, for example if they live in band E properties or above and are on a low income or receive certain benefits.
Now, the council is using the remaining funding to make payments of around £17 to all residents who are eligible for council tax reduction.
The payments will be made directly into people’s bank accounts or by crediting their council tax accounts. Just over 9,000 residents will receive the payments.
Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Resources, said: “We have already awarded more than £121,000 from the discretionary fund to council tax support claimants who live in higher banded properties and made ad-hoc awards to eligible residents who are struggling.
“However, we were expecting to receive many more applications and so we still have around £160,000 left.
“Rather than returning the money to the Government, it is better to share it between residents who need every pound they can get to cope with rising energy costs this winter.”
Residents who do not pay their council tax by direct debit will be able to request a refund from the Council Tax team via the council website at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/claim-refund-your-council-tax.
Anyone who needs further assistance should telephone 01225 477277.
