RESIDENTS in the district who do not pay council tax by direct debate will soon be contacted about how to claim their £150 energy rebate.
Stratford District Council (SDC) has to date paid £4.26million to some 28,500 residents – but 9,000 who do not pay by direct debit have yet to receive the payment which aims to help with the rocketing costs of gas and electric bills.
For those eligible households that do not pay their council tax by direct debit, they will be receiving a letter providing them with all the information needed to make a claim.
The 9,000 residents will be required to complete an on-line form, which is now available on SDC’s website – www.stratford.gov.uk/energyrebate
SDC health and wellbeing spokeswoman Jo Barker said: “With so many people trying to keep on top of rising energy bills, it’s essential that the hardest hit receive help and I’m pleased we are able to deliver this rebate to thousands of households in Stratford district.
“Paying council tax by direct debit ensures that this money is received without delay. However, this payment method may not suit everyone and those without direct debit should keep a look out for a letter from us with details about how to get their rebate.
“We are trying to make this process simple and straightforward and will be working with other support agencies, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, to ensure everyone that is entitled can receive the rebate.
“We will also need to ask some residents for new information, so that we can make this payment to them. The team will be asking some residents who are eligible, but do not already pay by direct debit to provide us with their bank details which we will then need to verify and keep securely.
“The Government has also said we are not allowed to automatically make payment where the bank account name and the name on the council tax account don’t match – even where we have successfully collected council tax. In these cases, we will be writing to residents to confirm the bank account to be used for payment.
“There are lots of checks and balances that need to be made, but if you are entitled to this rebate payment don’t worry, we will ensure that you do not miss out and will receive it. We want every person who is entitled to this rebate to receive it.”
Payments will appear on bank statements as ‘SDC Energy Rebate’. SDC also stress they never telephone, email or text anyone to ask for their bank details.
Help is available for residents that may need support completing the form online by calling SDC on 01789 267575 and if they are local to the council’s office in Stratford they can come in for assistance.
