Reminder to apply for energy rebate

So far more than 106,000 households have received their £150 energy bill rebate, the majority getting it automatically because they pay their council tax by direct debit.

In May, Dudley Council also wrote to non-direct debit payers and to residents who pay by direct debit, but whose name on the bank account does not match the person named on the bill, with details of how to complete an application online.

Thousands have already applied this way, but the council wants to ensure everyone who is eligible gets the payment and so has written to those who have not yet applied urging them to do so as soon as possible.

Applications need to be submitted as soon as possible as all payments must be processed and paid by the time the government scheme closes at the end of September.

Once an online application has been made, the details are checked by officers and, once verified, the payment will be made into the applicant’s bank account as quickly as possible.

Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said:

I’m delighted we have paid more than 106,000 residents their rebate so far, but we’re keen to ensure no-one who is eligible misses out.

We have written to everyone who automatically didn’t get their payment with details of how to apply online via the council’s website.

Please do this as soon as possible to ensure payment before the scheme comes to an end.

We know how important this payment is to our residents and I’d like to thank people for their patience.

This has been a huge task and officers have been working tirelessly to set up the systems to get this rebate out to residents as quickly as possible.

During the online application process, if the verification check has not been successful, which could be for a variety of reasons, the applicant will be contacted via the email they provided and quoting their individual application number.

They will be asked to upload a copy of a recent bank statement displaying the statement date, bank account name and account details to the secure application portal.

Eligible residents who have not applied for the rebate by the cut-off date, will have their council tax account credited with £150.

Around 125,00 households are eligible for the energy rebate in Dudley of which more than 80,000 pay their council tax by direct debit.

A discretionary scheme will also soon be available for those who are not entitled to the £150 payment or are in greater need of support.

To apply, or for further information about the rebate, including the discretionary scheme, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/council-tax/council-tax-rebate/