Council Tax Rebate
In April 2022, Hackney Council launched the Energy Bills Discretionary Scheme to help thousands of families on low income with the rising cost of living.
Around 30,200 households that are already receiving Council Tax reduction, a type of benefit that reduces bills for those on low incomes, will qualify to receive £30 on top of the £150 Council Tax rebate announced by the government, saving them a total of £180 this year.
Households who have received payment of the £150 will automatically be paid the £30 top up.
The simplest and fastest way to receive the £150 rebate and the additional £30 rebate is to pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit. Join over 5000 Hackney residents who have already set up Direct Debit to receive payment.
The Energy Bills Discretionary Scheme also supports households not covered by the government’s £150 announcement. Find out if your household is eligible here.
In February, the government announced the introduction of a £150 Council Tax rebate to support households affected by the rising cost of living.
On this page:
Is my household eligible to receive the £150 rebate?
Your household (one rebate per household) may be eligible if it meets the following criteria:
- it is valued in Council Tax bands A to D (including band E if receiving disabled band relief reduction)
- it is the liable council taxpayer’s sole or main residence and occupied on 1 April 2022
- it is a chargeable dwelling, meaning any property where all or part of it is used as a residence, for example a house or flat, that is subject to Council Tax.
- it is exempt dwelling, meaning it is exempt from Council Tax because it is only occupied by one or more of the following:
- students (Class N)
- persons aged under 18 (Class S)
- persons who are severely mentally impaired (Class U)
- dependent relative (Class W)
You can learn more by visiting GOV.UK.
Is my household eligible for the Energy Bills Discretionary scheme?
From 1 April to 30 November 2022, the Energy Bill Discretionary Scheme helps thousands of residents on low income who are not eligible for the £150 rebate scheme or need a little extra help to meet the rising cost of living, including:
- households in larger homes (Council Tax bands E-H) not eligible for the government’s scheme, but who receive Council Tax reduction, will also receive a £150 payment
- residents who move into the borough during the year ahead and are eligible for Council Tax reduction will receive a part-payment depending on when they move
- families who receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing costs, but don’t pay Council Tax directly, for instance because their landlord pays it for them will be able to apply for a £150 payment
- households that are already receiving Council Tax reduction, a type of benefit that reduces bills for those on low incomes, will qualify to receive £30 on top of the £150 Council Tax rebate announced by the government, saving them a total of £180 this year. Households who have received payment of the £150 will automatically be paid the £30 top up.
You will be able to apply via an online portal, which will be launched in May or June 2022. Please check back here to learn how you can apply.
How can I learn about additional financial support
If you are in of additional financial support, you may also be entitled to:
- Council Tax Reduction Scheme – get up to £80 a month from your Council Tax Bill
- Discretionary Housing payments (DHP) – if your rent is not met in full by housing benefit or universal credit and you have a temporary situation which makes it difficult to pay your rent, you can apply for extra help
- Discretionary crisis support scheme – get one off payments for emergencies that are not covered by normal social security benefits
How can I protect myself from being scammed?
There are reports of scammers pretending to be from the Hackney Council Tax Team and paying residents the Rebate.
To protect yourself, never share your bank details over the phone. The Hackney Council Tax Team will never ask you for your bank details, including your bank card details or pin number, to set up Direct Debit or pay your £150 rebate.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, report it directly to Action Fraud by going online at actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.