Over 17,000 households in Oxford have still not applied for the government’s council tax energy rebate, making a total of £2.5m in unclaimed benefits.
The government announced the rebate on 3 February 2022 as part of its response to rising energy bills. Local authorities are responsible for administering the payment.
If residents pay their council tax by direct debit, the Council will debit the payment direct to the bill payer’s bank account.
Those who are eligible for the rebate but who do not pay their bill by direct debit, will need to fill in an online form to claim the £150 payment.
Claims can only be made online, and not by phone, email or in writing.
Applicants will need to provide bank details, date of birth, council tax account and property reference number. They will also need a scan or photo of a recent bank statement and a form of ID.
- The £150 payment is for households living in council tax bands A – D. and will not need to be paid back.
- The rebate is provided as a separate payment, rather than as part of the household’s council tax bill.
- This includes those who receive Local Council Tax Support, even if their council tax bill for the year is less than £150.
- The property must have been occupied by the person liable to pay Council Tax, as their sole or main residence, on 1 April 2022.
“£150 is a substantial sum of money, especially when times are hard. Many households are really struggling at the moment so we’re encouraging residents to claim what they are entitled to.
“The process is straightforward and we hope residents will not be put off by having to make a claim online. If people do not have internet access, we hope friends and family will be able to help them fill in the form. We don’t want people missing out on getting this money.”
Councillor Ed Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management at Oxford City Council
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