The Director (Resources and Property) has taken the decision to use the following approach to allocate the £150 payments to households under the “discretionary scheme”:
1. To build on the principles for eligibility for the scheme, as set out in the Government guidance.
2. For the scheme to be administered by Anglia Revenues Partnership
3. For support to be given to the following groups:
· Recipients of Local Council Tax Support in bands E to H.
· Properties exempt from Council Tax under class U (severely mentally impaired) in bands E to H.
· Those liable Council Taxpayers in Band F-H who qualify for the Disabled Band Reduction.
· Movers from temporary accommodation or a care placement after 1 April 2022.
· Residents of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) where the landlord pays Council Tax but the applicant pays for energy.
· Residents of band E-H properties who do not meet any of the above categories but are experiencing exceptional financial hardship.
4. To mirror the payment arrangements for the main scheme, namely:
a) to make payments to Council Tax payers who have direct debits in place straight into the relevant bank account as soon as at least one successful direct debit payment has been made (so long as the name on the account matches the liable party for Council Tax). These recipients will be asked through social media messaging and other communications to check their eligibility against the criteria on the council website.
b) To contact householders with no direct debit in place (or no matching names – see above) by letter, asking them to complete an online form to provide bank details so that payments can be made to them. If no response is received within 28 days, the £150 will be applied to the Council Tax account relating to the property, and a new bill issued. If, following payment of the rebate, the Council Tax account shows a credit balance, a follow-up process will then be initiated whereby the liable person is contacted by post and phone to help them claim a refund (a range of methods will be offered). No time limit has been set by Government for this process.