How will the council tax rebate be paid in South East London?

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.

READ MORE: How to check your council tax band

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. 

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.

Check to see how you will get your tax rebate. (Canva)

How will the council tax rebate be paid in South East London?

Bexleyheath: 

If you're in the borough of Bexleyheath and you pay your council tax by Direct Debit then you should receive the one-off payment automatical. 

But if you do not pay via direct debit then you will need to apply to the local council for the rebate but you'll need to note that the payment will take longer. 

Bromley: 

For Bromley residents, you will also receive the one-off payment if paid by direct debit the council already has your bank details and it is expected by the end of April to mid-May.

If they don’t hold your bank details arrangements will be made for you to supply this so payment can be made, however, they do ask not to phone or email payments as they will be in touch with you.

Dartford:

Dartford local council says "If you pay Council Tax by Direct Debit, you do not need to do anything."

But they do also say that although they will transfer the money from May 2022, you'll have to wait until September as they are "required to take at least one Direct Debit Council Tax payment from your bank prior to the £150 payment."

If you do not pay via direct debit then they will write to you and explain how you can apply. 

Greenwich:

If you're based in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and have a direct debit with the council you will receive the rebate automatically. 

But if not then a spokesperson suggests: "If you cannot pay your council tax by direct debit you will need to apply for your payment. We will write to you in April to tell you when and how you can apply online. Residents will not be asked to repay the Council Tax Rebate."

How to save money on your energy bills

What to do if you’re not eligible for the council tax rebate? 

A discretionary scheme set up by the South East London local councils will be available to support vulnerable people on low incomes who do not pay or are exempt from council tax, or whose properties are in E to H.

South East London councils are yet to agree on the discretionary scheme and will update their website in due course. 

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."