A council in Nottinghamshire is to dish out more money as part of the council tax rebate payments to help with the ongoing cost of living crisis. It is the second council in the county to offer more money than the standard £150 payment to eligible residents.
Payments have already started to land in bank accounts in some boroughs and districts, including Rushcliffe. Now, Newark and Sherwood District Council says it will be giving some homeowners in certain tax bands an additional £28 on top of the £150, bringing the total to £178.
Residents on council tax support in Bands A to D (and Band E where the Disabled Band Reduction is awarded) will receive an additional £28 to the £150 rebate. Those on council tax support in bands E to H will receive £150.
Read more: When will rebates be paid?
Council tax support is typically offered to residents on low incomes or those who claim benefits. The additional payment comes after the council was provided with discretionary funding to do so.
Similarly, Gedling Borough Council was giving eligible residents £173 instead of £150 to help low-income households. The rebate came after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £9 billion package in February to help struggling families tackle the cost of living crisis as fuel and energy prices continue to impact homes.
The rebate does not have to be paid back and will automatically appear in bank accounts if tax is paid via direct debit. For those who pay by alternative means, the council has issued its advice.
A spokeswoman for Newark and Sherwood added: "For those who pay their Council Tax by direct debit, the District Council will be able to pay this automatically into these residents' bank accounts over the next two to three weeks if the name of the direct debit is the same name as the Council Tax payer and a payment has already been made this year. Where names are not the same, a letter will be sent to these people from the District Council.
"This letter will include a link to apply online for their rebate. For those who do not pay by direct debit, the District Council will be sending out letters in the next two to three weeks inviting these residents to apply via an online application form. This letter will contain the link needed to access the application form. If residents do not complete the form, the District Council cannot issue the rebate to those individuals."
