East Devon District Council are encouraging bill-payers to pay their council tax via direct debit in order to get their £150 one-off payment faster.

If you live in a property between bands A and D (or if you live in a band E property but receive a disablement reduction) you are automatically eligible for a one-off payment from the government to help with the rising costs of energy.

The cost of gas and electricity is souring. There are reports that bills for 2022 could be as much £2000 per household. As a result, the government announced funding for local authorities to help support people through the energy crisis.

You do not need to apply, and it is not means tested. 80% of houses in England are classified as bands A – D.

Bill-payers who pay their council tax via direct debit will receive their payment feaster, as it will allow the council to process the payment as quickly as possible.

80% of households currently pay via direct debit. As a consequence, as long as the council have successfully taken the last month's payment via direct debit, the £150 rebate will be transferred straight into the bill-payer's account without any action being needed.

The remaining 11,000 households who do not pay via direct debit will have to go through the claims process, and this will take longer.

Councillor Jack Rowland, East Devon District Council Portfolio Holder for Finance said: "We are urging residents who do not pay their council tax via Direct Debit currently to set one up so this vital energy rebate can be made to them as quickly as possible.

"The council is working as quickly as it can to get these schemes up and running and will keep its website and the East Devon App up to date with all the latest information.

"Residents can also subscribe to a special newsletter where updates will be given when they are available."

You can organise to pay your council tax by direct debit here

Sign up for updates on the energy rebate scheme here