Sefton households can now apply for discretionary council tax energy rebate payment
Some households in Sefton that have not received a one-off £150 Energy Rebate payment can now apply online for a payment through a discretionary scheme.
Inviting
Sefton Council is inviting applications from residents of properties that have been excluded from the core scheme due to them not being liable for Council Tax.
This could include applicants who are directly responsible for energy costs but whose Council Tax is paid by someone else such as a housing provider, a charity or a non-resident owner. It also includes those who became liable for payment of Council Tax to Sefton Council on or after 2nd April 2022.
You can find out more and apply here.
Evidence
Completing their application will require them to provide evidence of occupation and direct payment of energy costs.
This means having their Tenancy Agreement, Rent Statement or Completion Statement and their energy bills.
They will also need to provide their Bank Sort Code and their Bank Account name and number.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Services said: “Having already paid out nearly £15 million to over approaching 106,000 Band A to D households in Sefton through the original scheme, we are targeting households that may have missed out.
“That includes those who do not pay their Council Tax directly, or who moved home during the qualifying period, who now have the opportunity to apply by visiting www.sefton.gov.uk/discretionary”.
Fixed fund
Sefton Council has a fixed fund available to allocate to Sefton households in need through discretionary funding. The application process will only be open until Friday 30th September but depending on the funding position this may be extended.
It is also targeting Sefton households that are in need, as well as those that do not fall into the Council Tax bands A to D category
People living in Council Tax bands A to D will receive a further payment of £20 on top of the £150 they have already received making a total of £170. Residents granted a full Council Tax exemption, due to being severely mentally impaired will receive £170.
Additionally, the Council also plans to make a £170 payment to Council Tax-payers in band E to H properties who are in receipt of means-tested Council Tax Reduction at that property.
And, payments will be made to households with children that are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. Amounts would be £20 for households with one or two children and £30 for those with three or more children.