A council in the Bristol region is encouraging residents to set up a direct debit for their council tax to be able to received the government's £150 tax rebate faster.
North Somerset Council said that eligible households, who pay council tax by direct debit, will see £150 go directly into their bank accounts from April. Those who don't pay by direct debit will be contacted by the council and invited to make a claim.
Properties in council tax bands A-D are eligible for the rebate and, in North Somerset, the funding applies to 76,656 homes, giving a total of £11.5m available.
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Cllr Ash Cartman, the council's executive member for corporate services, said: "Households in council tax bands A-D - about three-quarters of homes locally - will automatically get the £150 rebate paid into their account if they're paying council tax by direct debit. These payments will be made in April. This is the easiest and quickest way for people to receive the payment.
"Anyone in bands A-D not paying by direct debit will then be contacted by the council and arrangements put in place so payment can be made."
Direct debit payments can be set up through the council's website, which also has a link to check households' council tax bands for anyone unsure which band their property is in. There will also be an opportunity to set-up direct debits when the council tax bills are sent to households in March.
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South Gloucestershire Council said: "We are working hard to get our systems ready to pay the £150 council tax rebate for those in bands A-D, part of the package from central government to support the rise in energy prices.
"We will let you know once we can confirm dates and processes. Once known we will update our website and social media channels."
Bristol City Council said in a statement: "We are currently making arrangements to implement the scheme and will make further information available on our website as soon as possible. Households in council tax bands A-D will receive the £150 council tax rebate, but second homes or empty properties will not benefit.
"For people who pay council tax by direct debit the rebate, which is expected to be made in April, will in most cases go directly into their bank account. Where additional information is needed to make this happen we will be in touch to request it.
"If you don’t already pay by direct debit we would recommend that you register to do so on our website as this will make sure the rebate is paid to you quickly. If you do not pay council tax by direct debit we will confirm as soon as possible how you can claim."
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