Energy Rebate Applications to Open

Eligible householders in council tax bands A - D are now being invited to apply for a £150 council tax energy rebate.

The scheme, which applies to council tax customers who do not pay by direct debit or anyone who has not paid their first council tax instalment by direct debit on or before 3 May 2022, will be open from Monday 16 May 2022 and will run until 10 June 2022.

Customers will be asked to complete a simple online form at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/counciltaxrebate from 16 May 2022.  To be able to complete the form online householders will need to know their council tax account number and postcode of the property.  These details can be found on the council tax bill.

Anyone who is unable to complete the form online can call 0191 424 4331 and a member of staff will support them through the process.

Cllr Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Resources and Innovation at South Tyneside Council said: "We know that people need the rebate in their bank account as soon as possible and that is why we have worked hard to find a solution as swiftly as we could.

"Administering the rebate has been a mammoth task with new software and systems required in order to process it. We have already paid over 37,000 direct debit customers and are inviting the remaining eligible A-D households to come forward and apply for their rebate. We are writing to every eligible household to ensure that they have the details of the scheme. We do expect to receive high call volumes and web traffic in the early days of the application going live so please bear with us."

When customers apply, they can choose to either:

• Provide bank details, so the money can be paid directly into their account. The council will aim to pay the money into bank accounts within 2 weeks, however, it is advised to allow up to 4 weeks. Bank account details will only be used to make the rebate payment and will not be used to collect any future council tax payments.
• Ask for the money to be credited to their council tax account. The council tax bill for 2022/23 will be reduced by £150. An amended bill showing the new payments will be sent within 4 weeks of receiving an application.

Anyone who does not apply for the rebate by 10 June 2022 will have the support credited to their council tax account. Their council tax bill for 2022/23 will be reduced by £150 and a new bill will be issued.

For more information about the council tax energy rebate and application process go to www.southtyneside.gov.uk/counciltaxrebate