Residents will get a one-off £150 energy bill rebate, starting in May, to help with rising energy costs.

The government has announced the support t to eligible households in the borough that live in properties in Council Tax bands A to D. Government will fund the scheme in full.

The rebate does not have to be paid back.

There is also a discretionary rebate scheme available for residents in higher-banded properties.

To verify which Council Tax band you live in, you can check your annual bill or visit www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands.

Residents in the borough who pay their Council Tax bill by direct debit will see the payment appear directly into their bank account from May 2022.

If you don’t pay your bill via Direct Debit, you can complete an easy and quick online application for the rebate. A letter will be issued shortly detailing the process to claim.

A Halton Borough Council Spokesman said: “Households in council tax bands A-D will receive the £150 energy bill rebate.

“If you pay your Council Tax bill by Direct Debit you will receive the rebate automatically, but if you don’t it is still easy and quick to apply online.

“It is important to remember that the £150 payment is a one-off payment that you will not be required to pay back and it is not treated as income for tax or benefit purposes.”

A discretionary scheme will also be available to support people on low incomes who are responsible for energy bills.

This scheme will also be applicable to residents whose properties are in bands E to H. Further details on the discretionary scheme will be announced shortly.