The process for people to be able to get their council tax rebates in Reading has begun.

As part of the budget for this year, the Government announced taxpayers would get a £150 rebate on their council tax bill to help with the cost of domestic energy bills.

Rebates have already been dispatched to around 40,000 residents who pay their council tax via direct debit.

Those who pay for their council tax any other way can now apply for their rebate on the Council Tax rebate – Reading Borough Council webpage.

READ MORE: Completing swimming pools and tackling inequality among priorities for Reading council leader this year

People who do pay council tax via direct debit and have not received the rebate should also fill out the application form.

To apply, taxypayers need to submit the following three pieces of information:

  1. Their council tax reference, which starts with a six and can be found on your Council Tax bill)
  2. A property reference to ensure only one rebate is paid. The reference can be easily found on  the Valuation Office Agency. All you need to is search for your home using your postcode, and make a note of the Local Authority reference number
  3. Your bank account details so the council can pay you the rebate

The rebate has been reserved for those living in band A-D properties.

People who need help making the application, or don’t have access to the internet should call the Council’s Customer Service Team on 0118 937 3727.

Assistance with the application form is also being provided by Reading Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK, Reading Welfare Rights or Reading Communicare, who will all provide assistance to people struggling to fill in the application form.

The council has made clear that the rebate will not have to be repaid.

Reading Borough Council is also setting up similar discretionary support for those who are ineligible for the current council tax rebate ie, those living in band E-H properties.

These residents can apply for a discretionary sum of £150, with a separate application page due to be set up in June.

This additional support has been made possible by Government funding.

READ MORE: How much council tax you will be paying in Reading this year

Earlier this year, Reading Borough Council chose to increase council tax by 2.99 per cent, which is the maximum amount the council could rise it by without going to a referendum.

Of that increase, 1.99 per cent of it will go into paying for council services, and the remaining one per cent is ring fenced and must go into funding adult social care.

The tax increase was agreed at a full council meeting on Wednesday, February 23.