The first round of payments in response to the government’s energy bills rebate scheme has been made to local residents today (Thursday).

The £150 payment has started going out to those eligible to benefit from the scheme designed to help households in council tax bands A to D.

In most cases, the rebate will go directly into bank accounts of those paying council tax by Direct Debit.

Councillor Chris Jarman, Cabinet member for strategic finances, said: “Payments will be made in batches each week until all Direct Debit cases have been paid — therefore, please do not worry if you have not received your payment straight away.

“The council will shortly be writing to those who do not pay by Direct Debit with further information about how to claim a rebate. 

“The letter will contain an online code to complete our application form and provide us with your bank details. Once we have received this, we aim to process your application as quickly as possible.

“Please do not contact us to find out when you will receive your payment as this will mean the payments take longer to be sent out.”

You are eligible to claim this payment if your property is in Band A – D and:

• you were living at the address on 1 April 2022;
• the council tax bill was in your name on 1 April 2022;
• the rebate has not already been claimed by another household member;
• the property is not a second home or unoccupied.

For more information, visit: www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Benefits-Council-Tax-and-Business-Rates/Council-Tax-Services/Council-Tax/Energy-rebate 

Further details of the discretionary scheme for those not eligible for the mandatory scheme will be issued in due course.