Salford Citizens Advice
Urgent update on fuel costs crisis:
Before April 1st:
The next increase in fuel costs will happen on April 1st for most people as the current energy cap is increased – by about 55%. It’s important to make sure you have taken meter readings and sent them to your energy supplier before then. That way, more of your winter energy use will be charged at the existing cheaper prices.
If you are on a pre-payment meter, and you can afford it, you can buy credit ahead the increase for use later.
The £150 rebate due after April 1st:
The government has also announced a rebate for people’s council tax of £150 for households living in houses in bands A to D. Councils expect to start making this payment in the next few weeks – and for people who pay their council tax by direct debit, this should be automatic. Payments will be made after the first planned direct debit payment has been made for your new council tax bill.
If you don’t pay your council tax by direct debit, there is still time to sign up. You will need your council tax account reference number. We can also help you if you have struggled to get a bank account.
Non-direct debit paying households will be sent a letter inviting them to apply for the rebate directly to the council using an online form, but you will need that letter from the council to do this. If you don’t have access to the internet, then you can get help at your local gateway centre.
We are still waiting for the details for the scheme for people living in households that don’t pay council tax.
In Salford, there’s more information about this scheme at: https://www.salford.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-150-rebate-for-energy-bill/.
Energy Saving Advice:
It’s also very worth seeing how you might be able to save on your energy use. There’s lots of really helpful advice available at https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/.
Tom Togher
March 2022.