THE highly-anticipated council tax energy rebate is due to start being paid out across Cornwall this month.

The Government announced the rebate support earlier this year in response to soaring energy bills, with payments administered by local authorities for all households in council tax bands A to D.

This means 4 out of 5 households in England will benefit, including around 95 per cent of rented properties. However, second homes or empty properties will not benefit. 

Councils have until September 30, to pay the £150 rebate to all eligible residents and the one off payment does not need to be repaid. 

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It is available for all households in bands A to D including those who receive Local Council Tax Support, even if their council tax bill is less than £150 for the year.

How will the council tax rebate be paid? 

In Cornwall,  people who pay their council tax by Direct Debit will have the £150 paid into their bank account automatically. 

A council spokesperson said: “We urge you to set up direct debit payments for council tax, so we can pay you quickly and easily.

"If you are eligible, we are making arrangements to get this paid as soon as we can.

"Please do not contact us to chase this payment, we will be in touch with you.

How to save money on your energy bills

"If we don’t hold your bank details, we will be in touch to get these from you.

"If you don’t already pay by Direct Debit, you can set up a Direct Debit online by signing into your online Council Tax account."

How do I know what council tax band I am in?

You can check by visiting the gov website here. 

Council tax rebate scam warning

Councils have warned residents of criminals cold-calling householders asking for bank details to receive the Government’s £150 energy rebate - local authorities stressed that they would never ask for bank details over the phone.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said anyone who unexpectedly receives a text, email or phone call seeking information or payment should not give out personal information, including bank details, click any links or respond until they can be sure it is genuine.

Mohan Iyengar, vice-chairman of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Councils are working hard to ensure eligible residents receive their energy rebate payments as soon as possible, however criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to take advantage of the financial worries people are facing and as a result many of these scams look legitimate on first impression.

“Anyone can fall victim to a scam, and we urge people of all ages to brush up on the tell-tale signs, and the support available to those who need it."