This Government Scheme closed on 30 November so we are unable to process any claims received after this date. If you are experiencing difficulties with the cost of living, please contact the Citizens Advice Cost of Living helpline on 01909 498888 or the Council’s money advice team on 01909 533744.
Purpose
The document describes how the Council will process the discretionary element of the government’s Energy Rebate Scheme. It has been revised to widen the scope of eligibility.
Scope
On 3 February 2022, the Chancellor announced the Government’s interventions into energy price increases and what support will become available for residents.
BDC will be responsible for administering the Council Tax Energy Rebate scheme using its Council Tax database. The scheme consist of two elements. These are:
- Mandatory Scheme supporting all those residing in a property banded A-D for Council Tax purposes. Based on specific government guidance, eligible households will receive a payment of £150.
- A Discretionary Scheme developed by the Council. Eligible households will receive £150 direct to nominated bank or a £150 reduction off their Council tax bill.
Discretionary Scheme- Bassetlaw District Council - Phase 2 - up to 30 November 2022
The criteria for eligibility for the discretionary council tax energy rebate, where a liable person has not qualified under the statutory main scheme is shown below. One of the following criteria must apply:
Properties in Council Tax Bands E-H
- The liable person(s) are resident in a band E-H property; in receipt of Council Tax Reduction between 1 April 2022 and 30 April 2022; and not in any of the other categories listed as not eligible under the main scheme (one payment per household), this is approximately 83 residents.
Properties in All Council Tax Bands
- Claimant is a newly liable person effective between 1 April 22 and 30 April 2022 and:
- Claimant is not in any of the other categories listed as not eligible under the main scheme;
- That any move of house is verified; and
- Checks are made to verify the liable person and other household members; and
- To ensure a payment has not been made before at the previous address or to another household member.
- A landlord who is responsible for the fuel on a property, occupied between 1 April 2022 and 30 April 2022 by a tenant or tenants; and can provide evidence that the fuel is included within the rent. Payments will be limited to one payment per property.
- A tenant who is resident between 1 April 2022 and 30 April 2022, not liable for the Council tax (because it is included in the rent) but is liable for the fuel bills. They must not have received a payment before at this or any previous address and provide evidence that they are responsible for the fuel bills.
- A claimant resident between 1 April 2022 and 30 April 2022 and has not been eligible for a payment in the main scheme nor any of the qualifying criteria above and:
- Following an assessment by an approved BDC officer (including bank and address checks), has been deemed to be suffering exceptional circumstances or hardship, due to rising energy costs.
- The amount of the payment will be at the discretion of the officer assessing the claimant, but will not exceed £150.
- A claimant resident between 1 April 2022 and 30 April 2022 in a second home that is occupied for the purposes of or a condition of their employment.
Important Information
- No one person or household can receive more than one energy payment.
- All applicants under this discretionary scheme must complete a form and have their details verified with security checks
- All bank details provided should be verified before any payment is made and details kept for audit purposes on all payments made.
- All payments eligible under this scheme must be paid by 30 November 2022 as per Government guidance.
- The Council will offer the option to have the rebate deducted from the claimant’s council tax bill if they prefer.
- This scheme will close on 30 November 2022 or when all of the funds have been allocated, whichever is sooner.
Reviewed and agreed by Section 151 Officer
David Hill, 23 August 2022
Authorised under delegated Authority regarding discretionary grants by Chief Executive
David Armiger, 23 August 2022
Last Updated on Friday, January 13, 2023