Newcastle City Council is reminding people they may have to apply for the £150 Energy Support Payment. The payment helps most households living in properties in council tax bands A to D with their increased energy bills.
This is a national scheme, brought in by the Government because of a huge spike in energy bills. But it is local councils who are giving out the money.
The council is reminding people who they have invited to apply or who don’t pay their council tax by direct debit to complete the applicatio n here. And the sooner the better.
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After you have made an application you can either:
- supply your bank account details so the council can pay the money straight into your bank account, or
- ask for a credit of £150 against your council tax bill.
To apply, you’ll need your property reference number, your council tax reference number (see your council tax bill for these) and to give your permission for checks to be carried out for the application. You'll also need to give your bank account details, if you’d like the money rather than a credit on your council tax bill.
The council is warning residents that it could take between 15 and 20 working days for the money to be sent to you. So the key is to apply as soon as possible.
If you are feeling the strain of higher energy bills, Newcastle City Council has an energy advice page. It tells you how to reduce your energy usage and points people to other financial help.
The Government is also due to give all domestic energy customers in Great Britain a £400 grant to help with the cost of their energy bills through the Energy Bill Support Scheme. In addition, more than eight million households on means-tested benefits will receive a payment of £650, while all pensioner households will receive an extra £300.
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