Households are being encouraged to set up a direct debit for council tax payments to make it quicker and easier to receive a council tax rebate.
The government announced last month (February) that households in tax bands A to D in England will benefit from a £150 council tax rebate – which does not have to be repaid – as part of a package of support to help householders with rising bills.
Cabinet lead for strategic finance, corporate resources and transformational change, Councillor Chris Jarman, said:
“We’re asking households who don’t already pay council tax by direct debit to save time and do it online before 25th March – that way you will receive the one-off rebate automatically from April onwards – which doesn’t have to paid back – more quickly.
“Those not on council tax direct debit will still receive the rebate but you could have a longer wait as you will need to complete an application form for this, once available.”
The council tax rebate will be provided to you if you pay for council tax in a band A-D property, or if you would normally pay but the property is exempt as a result of the occupants being a student, under 18 or severely mentally impaired.
The rebate will be paid by the council and you will not be required to pay it back.
If you pay your council tax by direct debit you do not need to do anything. The Isle of Wight Council will arrange for your rebate to be paid automatically. This will be completed when the local authority has set up the process.
If you do not pay by direct debit you have 2 options:
- set up to pay your council tax by direct debit before 25th March 2022. The council will then pay your rebate directly back to you. You will need your council tax account number and your bank account details. This can be found on your latest or previous bill.
- complete a rebate application form. The council are in the process of setting up the application process. More details will be provided as they become available.
More information about the above is at www.iow.gov.uk/counciltaxenergyrebate.
My advice is do not set up a direct debit. This gives them your permission to be in charge of your account, and they can take from your account what ever they like when they like. You will not be able to stop payments taken that you do not agree with, and your bank will not be able to stop them taking it either. A direct debit is simply a method which makes it easier for them to take payments from your account.I would not trust them with MY account.
That is very true.
I will divide the £150.00 between 10 instalments which = £15.00
I will then reduce my monthly payments by £15.00 a month.
I will then await my application for the £150.00 refund.
I pay many monthly direct debits, but anything to do with Government organisations
No way Pedro
It then allows the council to up your payments when it suits them and they get your money on a day they expect it.
If you pay by other means – they get it when you feel like giving it to them – as long as the full amount is paid by year end, then they can do nothing – as it is a bill for a year and isn’t overdue until 31 march the following year.
I don’t understand these negative comments. Apologies if I’m missing something but – Council Tax is set at the beginning of the new financial year and the amount does not alter. The amount doesn’t suddenly change. It is what it is i.e the amount decided at the outset. I cannot afford to pay a lump sum so I pay by DD. Any money refunded would be very welcome.
To those who down thumb me. Fine but I’m asking a genuine question. The amount is set so cannot be upped randomly by the Council? So not an issue setting up a DD? Hello?
Yes, agree.
Also, whatever propaganda that they throw at you. Never get a Smart Metre fitted. As they can cut you off by a flick of a switch from there HQ.
Instead of asking for your permission to step onto your property.
When has this ever actually happened?
Exactly what I’m asking.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-council-tax-rebate-2022-23-billing-authority-guidance/support-for-energy-bills-the-council-tax-rebate-2022-23-billing-authority-guidance
Its worth not taking the £150 insult just so the council do not get my bank details
Iv leent of the years with council’s and the government. If they give you will 100% be paying it back ten fold
So council and government you can keep your ill gotten £150.
So you really will refuse a refund? I doubt it. Silly comment.
“ The council tax rebate will be provided to you if you pay for council tax in a band A-D property, or if you would normally pay but the property is exempt as a result of the occupants being a student, under 18 or severely mentally impaired.”
If the property is exempt…
So, even if you don’t pay (due to the circumstances stated) you STILL get a rebate?!
Why? What am I missing here?
How can you get a refund against something you haven’t paid?!
Why don’t they just knock it off next years bill?
Why should we have to wait for the refund or apply for it? It should be deducted from the council tax bill for all applicable households. Also, the tax is due in 14 days time so why have we not been sent our bills yet? I pay by DD (never had an issue with it) but if the bill does not arrive within the next few days I will be cancelling the mandate as I will not let the council take any money from me without giving me a bill first.
I got this rebate of 150 last year but I didn’t get the money they just knocked 150 pound off my council tax bill
The council have no right to dictate how you pay your council tax,as long as it it paid, they also have no right to penalize you for not paying it by D/D. Every one has the right to the rebate however it is paid, so if they are going to make it difficult for you to get your rebate, simply deduct £15 from each payment. 10 X £15 = £150, Like another guy on here is going to. Just don’t let them be in charge of your account. No faith or trust in this government what so ever. Just imagine if war was declared, hope to god not, but if it was the government could empty out your bank account as ”The War Effort” if they have your bank details.