Rollout of Energy Grant Scheme in Wiltshire continues

Thousands of households have received their energy rebate

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 11th Aug 2022
Last updated 11th Aug 2022

140,0000 eligible households in Wiltshire have now received their £150 Government energy rebate.

The rebate for those in Band A-D properties aims to help with the rising cost of living.

Around 13,500 that are due a payment and haven’t applied will shortly have £150 credited to their council tax accounts.

Once the payment is applied a new council tax bill will be issued.

Discretionary fund to help more households

The Government has also given Wiltshire Council a discretionary fund to help households on low incomes who live in properties in bands E-H.

The local authority says it's identified around 1,400 households eligible for the payment and are writing to them to explain how to submit their details.

This includes households in receipt of council tax reduction, properties that have been adapted for a disabled person and households where people are disregarded for council tax because of disability.

Households that meet the qualifying criteria and who pay by direct debit will automatically have the funds paid direct to their bank accounts.

The scheme is also open to applications from other households in bands E–H. Applications will have to be submitted in writing to Revenues and Benefits at Wiltshire Council.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

“We’re really pleased that so many residents have now received their energy rebate and the team is working hard to ensure the remaining people have their council tax accounts credited as soon as possible.

“We’re also delighted to be launching the discretionary fund which will further help eligible residents with their household bills. One of our key priorities is to ensure our residents are safe and well and we know this money will be very welcomed.

“With the cost of living rising, we understand how difficult it is for people. We are fully committed to ensuring everyone who is eligible gets their money as quickly as possible and we thank everyone for their patience while we continue to rollout these payments.”

Scam Warning

Wiltshire Council will not be telephoning people to ask for their bank details. There have been reports of telephone scams in other parts of the country. No calls of this nature have been reported in Wiltshire but anyone receiving a telephone call about the energy rebate should not give their bank details and should hang up and contact the revenues team at Wiltshire Council on 0300 456 0109.

If anyone is worried, the council has a dedicated webpage with useful information and the support available. People should visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/worried-about-money.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.