It has been brought to our attention that some vulnerable people in the country could have been victims of a potential scam relating to the government’s council tax energy rebate payments.
We are not aware of this happening with BCT/Karbon customers or in the North East area but it is something we think you need to be aware of.
What is the potential scam?
According to consumer group Which?, the scammers claim they are linked to the local council of their victims and say the refund is due, then ask for bank details in order to pay out the £150 rebate.
The Local Government Association has said councils don’t ask for bank details over the phone.
What is the council tax rebate?
In April, the government introduced a support package worth over £22 billion in 2022-2023 to help with the increase in energy costs.
All households in council tax bands A-D which they live in as their main home will be entitled to a £150 tax rebate. This means, the majority of BCT’s customers should be entitled to this rebate.
The £150 rebate will be provided as a separate payment, rather than as part of your council tax bill and you are not required to pay this back.
How do I claim for my rebate?
The local authority is responsible for processing council tax rebates (not BCT). Some of these may have already been processed but we are aware there have been some delays.
If you live in an eligible property and you pay your council tax by direct debit, Newcastle City Council will make the payment directly to your bank account. Some of these payments should have already started to be processed.
If you live in an eligible property and you do not pay your council tax by direct debit, the council will contact you to arrange a method for paying the rebate. Once again, we must stress to customers, do not give out your bank details such as your account name, number or sort code.
Claims for the rebate can be processed up until 30 September 2022.
When will my local authority process my rebate?
Please click here for more details.
It has been brought to our attention that some vulnerable people in the country could have been victims of a potential scam relating to the government’s council tax energy rebate payments.
We are not aware of this happening with BCT/Karbon customers or in the North East area but it is something we think you need to be aware of.
What is the potential scam?
According to consumer group Which?, the scammers claim they are linked to the local council of their victims and say the refund is due, then ask for bank details in order to pay out the £150 rebate.
The Local Government Association has said councils don’t ask for bank details over the phone.
What is the council tax rebate?
In April, the government introduced a support package worth over £22 billion in 2022-2023 to help with the increase in energy costs.
All households in council tax bands A-D which they live in as their main home will be entitled to a £150 tax rebate. This means, the majority of BCT’s customers should be entitled to this rebate.
The £150 rebate will be provided as a separate payment, rather than as part of your council tax bill and you are not required to pay this back.
How do I claim for my rebate?
The local authority is responsible for processing council tax rebates (not BCT). Some of these may have already been processed but we are aware there have been some delays.
If you live in an eligible property and you pay your council tax by direct debit, Newcastle City Council will make the payment directly to your bank account. Some of these payments should have already started to be processed.
If you live in an eligible property and you do not pay your council tax by direct debit, the council will contact you to arrange a method for paying the rebate. Once again, we must stress to customers, do not give out your bank details such as your account name, number or sort code.
Claims for the rebate can be processed up until 30 September 2022.
When will my local authority process my rebate?
Please click here for more details.
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