New Forest District Council has started (Monday 25 April 2022) making payments of the £150 Energy Rebate to eligible households who have paid their April Council Tax instalment by Direct Debit.

Residents who have paid their April instalment by Direct Debit do not need to take any action and should receive the rebate in their bank account by the end of April.

The government announced the £150 rebate as support for the rising cost of energy bills, with local authorities paying the rebate to eligible households.

For people who don’t pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit and where we are unable to make the direct payment we will send a letter by the end of April, and invite them to make a claim to receive the payment into their bank account.

NFDC are warning residents to be aware of scammers calling people and asking for their bank details in order to receive the Council Tax Energy Rebate. NFDC say they would never cold call and ask for bank details over the phone or send a text, and for anyone who is worried, to hang up and contact their bank and report the scam to the police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk/how-to-report-fraud

For up-to-date information and support with Council Tax, rising cost of living, and energy costs, please visit https://newforest.gov.uk/energysupport