• As the UK economy continues its recovery from the pandemic, the Conservative Government have stepped in to confront the global inflationary pressures caused by the world economy coming swiftly back to life.
• That is why the Conservative Government has introduced a non-repayable £150 cash rebate for homes in Council Tax bands A-D – 82% of all households in Castle Point will benefit from this rebate, helping both lower and middle-income families.

As the UK economy continues its recovery from the pandemic, the Conservative Government are confronting the global inflationary pressures caused by the world economy coming swiftly back to life. Much of this inflation is being driven by the rising cost of energy due to increased demand worldwide – and that feeds through into pressures on the cost of living.

The Conservative Government has already taken steps to support families. These measures include reducing the Universal Credit taper rate, increasing the National Living Wage by a record amount, cutting fuel duty, and launching a £1 billion Household Support Fund to help the lowest-income households with their bills.

And the Conservative Government has now introduced a £150 council tax rebate to support households in Castle Point and across the country to keep the cost of living down. The Government’s council tax rebate is over £1 billion more generous than a temporary VAT cut – putting more money into the pockets of working people. Whereas a VAT cut would cost £2.5 billion, our council tax rebate will put £3.6 billion back into the pockets of families across the England.

Additionally, £144 million of discretionary funding is also available to support households who are in need but are not eligible for the council tax rebate, known as the Discretionary Fund.

How to claim your rebate:

Where council tax is paid by direct debit, households will automatically receive the £150 rebate in April 2022. Where households are eligible for the council tax rebate, a single payment of £150 will be paid to those who pay their council tax by direct debit – including where multiple residents are jointly and severally liable for council tax.

Where council tax is not paid by direct debit, councils are required to contact households as early as possible. Councils will contact households who do not pay their council tax by direct debit to make them aware of the scheme and invite them to make a claim. Detailed guidance for local authorities has been published online to support them in providing the rebate.

Commenting, Rebecca Harris MP said:

“I know that many families have been worried about the increasing cost of living, particularly energy bills. That is why I’m pleased to see over 32,000 households in Castle Point will receive £150 from April, to help with rising costs. This is part of other measures to help families, including the  £200 discount on fuel bills, the Warm Homes Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payment.”

Commenting, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, said:

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we understand the pressures facing many families.

“The support we have introduced will help millions of people, particularly those on the lowest incomes and the most vulnerable.

“We continue to stand behind the British people and I urge everyone who is eligible to claim this rebate to do so.”

Castle Point Households to Benefit from the Government’s Energy Bills Package

The Government has announced a three-part plan to help with household fuel bills, following Ofgem’s confirmation that the energy price cap will rise by £700 from April. As part of total package of support worth £8.6 billion, all households will see a £200 ‘smoothing’ rebate on energy bills for, to be paid back over the next five years at £40 per year – starting from April 2023.