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Eligible householders in council tax bands A - D are being reminded to apply for a £150 council tax energy rebate.

The scheme, which applies to council tax customers who do not pay by direct debit or anyone who did not pay their first council tax instalment by direct debit on or before 3 May 2022, opened on Monday 16 May 2022 and will run until 10 June 2022.

The Council is calling on anyone who has not applied to do so before the closing date at the end of this week.

Customers are being asked to complete a simple online form at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/counciltaxrebate.  To be able to complete the form online householders will need to know their council tax account number and postcode of the property.  These details can be found on the council tax bill.

Anyone who is unable to complete the form online can call 0191 424 4331 and a member of staff will support them through the process.

Cllr Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Governance, Finance and Corporate Services at Â鶹ÊÓƵ said: "The council tax energy rebate scheme has been a huge undertaking. We have already managed to pay 51,000 customers and are processing thousands of applications which will be paid in the coming weeks. We thank everyone for their patience as we work through new software, systems and processes. The deadline for applications has been set to give us enough time to work through applications and reconcile any issues as quickly as possible.  

When customers apply, they can choose to either:

* Provide bank details, so the money can be paid directly into their account
The council will aim to pay the money into bank accounts within 2 weeks, however, it is advised to allow up to 4 weeks. Bank account details will only be used to make the rebate payment and will not be used to collect any future council tax payments.

* Ask for the money to be credited to their council tax account
The council tax bill for 2022/23 will be reduced by £150. An amended bill showing the new payments will be sent within 4 weeks of receiving an application.

Anyone who does not apply for the rebate by 10 June 2022 will have the support credited to their council tax account. Their council tax bill for 2022/23 will be reduced by £150 and a new bill will be issued.

For more information about the council tax energy rebate and application process go to www.southtyneside.gov.uk/counciltaxrebate