As part of the government’s initiative to help households with rising energy costs, they have announced a one-off £150 Council Tax rebate for certain households.
Who will qualify?
- If you are a liable Council Tax payer in band A to D occupying the property on 1 April 2022
- If you are a liable Council Tax payer occupying the property on 1 April 2022 and are in band E but you are receiving disabled relief
- The property is exempt but solely occupied by students or school leavers, under 18s, severely mentally impaired or is an annexe occupied with dependant relatives
- If you receive Council Tax Reduction and are in a band A to D (or E with disabled relief), you will still be entitled to the payment
Who will not qualify?
- Second homes
- Empty properties
- Exempt properties not listed in the qualifying section
If you don’t know which band your property is in, you can find it on your latest Council Tax bill or use the Valuation Office website to check.
How will I receive the payment?
Residents who pay their Council Tax by direct debit, will receive their energy rebate first. Once the first Council Tax payment for 2022/23 is paid, Herefordshire Council will use those details to process the payment straight into your bank account.
Payment will be made more quickly to those paying by direct debit.
If you already pay your Council Tax by direct debit, you do not need to do anything.
If you don’t already pay Council Tax by direct debit, you can sign up here
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/council-tax-1/pay-direct-debit
If you are eligible and don’t pay your Council Tax by direct debit, Herefordshire Council are making arrangements to get the rebate to you as soon as they can but this will take longer due to the number of households they will need to contact.
When will I receive the rebate?
The Council do not have the final details of the rebate yet but as soon as they do, they will update their website.
Paying your bill
The rebate does not mean you don’t need to pay your Council Tax bill – you must continue to pay your Council Tax bill by the amounts and on the dates shown on your bill. If you are struggling to pay, please see Council Tax discretionary hardship payments.
If you’re not in a band A to D, and still need help there will be some further funding available to help households who do not qualify under this main scheme. When they have more information they will publish the details here.
Council Tax bands
If you think your property Council Tax band needs reviewing, you will need to contact the Valuation Office, using the links below:
