Woman ‘perplexed’ over council tax rebate delay
NOT EVERY RESIDENT HAS RECEIVED THE £150 COUNCIL TAX REBATE THIS WEEK
AN EAST Staffordshire woman who has still not been given her £150 tax rebate says she has been left perplexed by the council’s explanation.
“Emily Louise”, who contacted the Burton Mail’s Facebook page, was hoping to receive her money – promised as part of a scheme to help people pay soaring energy bills – on Tuesday, May 17.
When she contacted East Staffordshire Borough Council yesterday to find out why the payment had not been received, she says was told it was down to “further necessary check being required”.
According to a message seen by the newspaper, Band D direct debit payer Emily says came from the council, she is not the only taxpayer who falls into that category.
The response to her message read: “We’ve had an update from the team to say there are still some remaining payments to direct debit payers who have not yet had their payment. These payments have been delayed due to further necessary checks being required.
“So if you don’t receive it today, it may be because you fall into this category unfortunately, but the team are working on it.”
A council spokesperson from East Staffordshire Borough Council said: “The council can’t comment on individual cases. However, to be sure that we are paying the council tax energy rebate payment into the correct person’s bank account we do, on occasion, need to conduct further verification checks.
“For example, in a case where the name on the bank account doesn’t match the name we have on our council tax records, we will do further checks as necessary. If we are satisfied we have the correct information once our checks have been completed, we will be able to issue a rebate payment.”
Earlier this month, East Staffordshire Borough Council had announced exactly when people should get their £150 council tax rebate. As part of the national council tax rebate scheme to help with the rise in cost of living, more than £4 million had already been issued to East Staffordshire residents.
On Monday, May 16, eligible households were told payments arrive in no more than two working days. It came after the payments had already been delayed, having originally been due at the end of April, with the council blaming repayment software issues.
Council tax valuations are based on the value of properties, with people in cheaper houses paying less than those in more expensive homes. East Staffordshire Borough Council has been contacted for a response.