Bolton: £150 energy rebate still to be claimed by thousands

The government announced earlier this year that one-off payments would be made to people registered to pay council tax, whose homes are in bands A to D.

The payment was introduced as a way to help those struggling with the rise in the cost-of-living.

Eligible households across Bolton still have time to make their claim for the energy rebate, but the deadline of September 30 is approaching fast.

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all and the rebate scheme is designed to help towards the rising cost of energy bills.

• £150 council tax rebate approved and set to be paid

“Many of our residents do not use Direct Debit to pay their council tax, which means we just need some additional information before we can process their payment.

“It is quick and easy to do, just visit bolton.gov.uk and follow the link on the homepage to claim your payment.”

Thousands still need to claim rebate to help with the soaring cost-of-living

The money does not need to be repaid.

So far, Bolton Council has processed £14,650,000 in payments to a total of 97,662 households.

However, 12,280 Bolton households have not yet made a claim.

The money for the one-off rebate is part of a package of £16,918,950 allocated to Bolton by the Government.

Cllr Cox said: “Obviously if people are getting £150, they are going to welcome it but we’re expecting higher energy bills later this year so I think prudent people will put it to one side.

 “Nobody wants people not to be able to pay to heat their homes.

“It’s important that people don’t miss out on this, it’s not a lot of money but it is some money.”

• Thousands still yet to get £150 council tax rebate

The funding package was approved at a meeting of Bolton Council held on Monday April 25.

The funding Bolton received has come from a total of £144million made available to local authorities across the country.

Residents who do not pay their council tax by Direct Debit need to complete a quick and easy online form available on the Bolton Council website.

The £150 can be paid directly into a bank account or credited to a council tax account.

Phone support and face-to-face sessions are available for residents who are unable to access the council website.

A discretionary scheme will be made available to support vulnerable people on low incomes who do not pay or are exempt from council tax, or whose properties are in bands E to H.