Nearly a third of Stockport households face having to apply for £150 council tax rebate

Nearly a third of all households in Stockport may have to apply for a new £150 council tax rebate as they do not pay by direct debit.

The payment, announced last month by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, is part of a government response to rising energy bills.

All properties in bands A-D qualify.

READ MORE: Why does council tax keep going up in Greater Manchester?

However, it has emerged that those who settle up by cash or cheque, are not only likely to have to wait for their rebate but may also have to apply for it.

Stockport Council says it does not have any bank details for 38,712 homes that do not pay their council tax via direct debit.

It's believed Treasury officials failed to realise the number of people - particularly those living in deprived areas - who do not have direct debits set up to pay their council tax when putting together the new rebate policy.

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Councillors also voted through an additional £15 'cost of living rebate' for all households in bands A-D at last week's budget-setting meeting.

The authority is ‘implementing a robust communications strategy’ to target these households, and considering options for those who do not pay via direct debit to receive the government’s energy rebate, following the publication of government guidance.

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