Nearly half a million households in Greater Manchester will not automatically receive council tax rebate

Nearly half a million households across Greater Manchester will not automatically receive the £150 council tax rebate they are due in April.

The payment was promised by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month in response to rising energy bills which are set to sky-rocket when the price cap increases. All properties in council tax bands A to D are entitled to the £150 payment – but only those paying council tax by direct debit will receive it automatically.

But more than 460,000 households across Greater Manchester currently pay council tax manually meaning they will have to apply to receive the rebate. These residents either pay their bills by visiting their council's website every month, make their payments by phone or visit their town hall to pay in person.

READ MORE: Council tax to rise in every borough of Greater Manchester from April 1

Some have suggested that the government did not account for these residents in the rollout of the rebate which was announced last month. Councils are now undertaking the 'major exercise' of writing to all households which do not pay bills by direct debit, advising them how to claim the £150.

A flyer from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities with information about the rebate is to be sent out with all annual council tax bills. Authorities are encouraging residents to set up a direct debit so they receive the rebate as quickly as possible – but alternative plans are being put in place.

The government has confirmed it will cover these administration costs.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked all 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester what they are doing to help residents claim the rebate.

Bolton

There are more than 30,000 households in Bolton that are eligible