Whilst applications for the £150 energy rebate scheme have now closed (those who didn’t apply will have the rebate added to their Council Tax account) there is still time for those eligible to apply.
Oxford City Council was awarded a fund of £327,300 to be used for the Council Tax Discretionary Rebate Scheme to help households in Council Tax bands E-H who need help with their energy bills. Eligible households include those:
- receiving part of Council Tax Reduction Scheme to reduce their Council Tax
- where all of the occupants have a severe mental impairment
- where all of the occupants are students
- that receive Carers Allowance
- that receive the Disabled Persons/Band Reduction for Council Tax
Any other case that does not meet the above criteria will be considered on its merits and will receive a payment of up to £165.
The City Council will also use the discretionary fund to offer “top up” payments to the most vulnerable households in bands A to D who have already received the £150 payment.
Comment
“With the economic crisis deepening and the cost of energy continuing to increase, it’s important that every bit of financial help that’s available goes to those in need. So I’m urging any qualifying householders to apply for the discretionary grant while there is still time so that we can make sure that this money goes to those who need it most.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services
The discretionary scheme payments will be made by 30 November with any residual amount returned to the Government so the Council is urging anyone who is eligible to claim as soon as possible.
Qualifying households must normally be liable for Council Tax at the 1 April 2022. Additionally there can be only one discretionary payment per household.
Householders will need to apply using an online claim form for the discretionary payment. Help will be available for residents who do not have access to the online portal. Payment will be made to the householder’s bank or as a credit to a Council Tax account if all other avenues are exhausted.
The closing date of the online application process is 31 October.
Where householders receive full Council Tax Reduction that have no Council Tax liability or an account in credit, the total amount that could be refunded may be offset against other debts such as owed council house rents.
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