Eligible Stone residents are to be asked whether they want to apply for the £150 government ‘energy rebate’ which doesn’t need to be repaid.
Nearly £6 million has already been distributed to householders in the borough – almost 80% of those eligible for the payments.
The grant does not need to be paid back and Stafford Borough Council were able to pay the money directly into the bank accounts of eligible direct debit payers.
Those not paying by direct debit have to apply and can do so from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/cter. If they cannot claim online the council is asking residents to get in touch with them on 01785 619279.
In a letter to Stone residents, the local authority is encouraging people to apply for the cash – which they say can either be paid into a bank account or credited to their council tax bill.
Around 48,000 borough residents in council tax bands A to D are entitled to the one-off payment. The rebate was introduced by the Government for households most likely to be affected by the increases in energy costs – with local authorities asked to distribute the money.
The money is paid to the person responsible for the council tax payment – but does not show on the council tax bill.
Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“This is your money. You are entitled to this one-off payment that does not need to be paid back. So please apply so we can get this rebate to you as soon as possible.
“I’m pleased that we have already paid nearly £6 million to local householders – but it will be even better news if we can make payments to everyone who is eligible.”
