Residents encouraged to claim energy rebate payment as higher domestic fuel bills come in from April

Article date: 30 March 2022

Energy regulator Ofgem announced in February that the UK energy price cap will rise from 1 April, the average energy bill will rise by £693 (54 %) to £1,971 per year, which is likely to mean substantial increases in domestic fuel bills. This follows large increases in wholesale energy costs during recent months.

The government has announced support to help with rising energy bills including a one-off £150 energy rebate payment to eligible households in the borough that live in properties in Council Tax bands A to D. There is also a discretionary rebate scheme available for residents in higher-banded properties.

To verify which Council Tax band you live in, you can check your annual bill or visit www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands.

Residents in the borough who pay their Council Tax bill by Direct Debit will see the payment appear directly into their bank account during the next month.

If you don't pay your bill via Direct Debit, you can complete an online application for the rebate, which will be available from 1 April. For further details visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/energyrebate.

Gordon Lee, St Helens Borough Council's Assistant Director for Revenues, Benefits and Contact Centre, said: "The increase in the Ofgem price cap will most likely mean significantly higher energy bills for many households in the borough during the next few months so we would urge eligible residents to ensure they do receive the rebate as soon as they can.

"If you pay your Council Tax bill by Direct Debit you will receive the rebate automatically, but if you don't it is still easy and quick to apply online. It is important to remember that the £150 payment is a one-off payment that you will not be required to pay back and it is not treated as income for tax or benefit purposes."

A discretionary scheme will be available to support vulnerable people on low incomes who are responsible for energy bills but do not pay Council Tax. This scheme will also be applicable to residents whose properties are in bands E to H. Further details on the discretionary scheme will be announced shortly.

Residents are also being urged to make sure they take a meter reading on 31 March, and if possible, take a picture of their readings. You should then submit the meter readings to your supplier to ensure you get billed for your actual use at the lower rate.

"It is important to remember that the £150 payment is a one-off payment that you will not be required to pay back and it is not treated as income for tax or benefit purposes."

Gordon Lee, Assistant Director for Revenues, Benefits and Contact Centre

If you are struggling with your energy bills or are looking for assistance with making your home more energy efficient, help and advice is available. For more information, please visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/saveenergy or contact our Affordable Warmth team on 01744 676555.