Council urge residents to pay for council tax by direct debit to speed up energy rebate

Rossendale Borough Council is encouraging all residents that do not already pay council tax by direct debit to register to do so by 17 March. 

The Government has announced measures to help households with rising energy bills and this includes a £150 Council Tax rebate for homes in bands A-D. 

A council spokesperson said: “If people pay for their council tax via direct debit, then this money will automatically be sent direct to their bank account, and they will not be required to fill in any applications for the rebate. 

“If you do not pay by direct debit the process is a bit more complicated and will require you making an application for the rebate, and it will therefore take much longer to receive the payment.” 

You can set up a direct debit by calling the council on 01706 217777 option 1 or by visiting www.rossendale.gov.uk/directdebit to set up a direct debit online.  

The council are also asking that people do not chase up this payment as that could slow the process down. 

There will be some extra discretionary funding available to help people who don’t pay Council Tax and those who are on low incomes with homes in Council Tax bands E-H. Further information will be publicised on the council’s website once received. 

Anyone who is struggling to pay their Council Tax should contact the council straight away for further help.