Martin Lewis appeared on a special episode of Good Morning Britain on Wednesday morning to offer advice on the energy crisis. The Money Saving Expert website founder answered questions from viewers live on air alongside Susanna Reid.
The pair shed light on the dire situation of increasing bills as the energy price cap is set to increase by 54% in April. Martin said the purpose of the show was to help those who are having to choose between "heating and eating".
While on air, one concerned viewer asked Martin for advice on what to do if you are struggling to pay your council tax if you're not eligible for automatic council tax rebate. The rebate means those in council tax brackets A to D will automatically get £150 relied through their set-up direct debit.
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Figures estimate this will cover 80% of homes so not everyone qualifies for the rebate, including those that fall into council tax bands E, F, G and H - however, support is still available. Martin explained how a £144 million discretionary fund was allocated to all local councils in England by the UK government to help people in this situation.
Martin explained: "£140 million [is] available for people who are not in bands A to D. If you are really struggling with your energy bills, you can apply to your local council. It's council by council terms and they can, by discretion, give you £150 if you're not eligible for that money. You'll need to do that in April - get in touch with them if you're in band E or above, get in touch if you're really struggling and ask them if you can have that £150."
What about people living in Wales?
Although Martin's advice is relevant to people living in England, similar support is available in Wales. The initial council tax rebate announcement only covered England, but the Welsh Government later confirmed it will also offer £150 council tax relief to low-income households to help with the cost of living crisis.
Anyone in band A to D will get the payment, as well as those on low incomes. If you live in Wales and do not qualify for the £150 - such as those living in council tax bands E and above - support can still be accessed through your local authority if you are really struggling. You can get more money news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
A spokeswoman for the Welsh Government confirmed a £25 million discretionary fund had been allocated to local authorities in Wales. She said: "Since last November, we have invested more than £380 million in a package of support for low income households to meet the immediate pressures on living costs...The package of support will also fund a £150 cost-of-living payment for households in council tax bands A to D and to all households which receive support from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme in all council tax bands.
"A further £25 million will be available to local authorities in the form of a discretionary fund. They will be able to target this additional funding to help households which may be struggling."
How can I apply in Wales?
Not everyone will be eligible for the discretionary funding. You must be able to prove you are in financial hardship or a crisis situation. You must be over 16, have no other savings and considered all other legal and responsible lenders such as credit unions.
If you qualify, you can apply for the funding on the Welsh Government website here. It also includes more details on exactly what is available. More information may also be available through your local authority website, for example, those living in Cardiff can read more here.
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