Thousands of residents missing out on £150 energy rebate

The council has already paid the rebate to most taxpayers who provided their bank details

Up to 5,500 council taxpayers in Cornwall entitled to a £150 energy rebate are missing out on the payment, council bosses say.

The rebate is part of the government’s measures to tackle the rising cost of living in 2022.

Cornwall Council has already paid the rebate to most taxpayers who provided their bank details.

Many others however, have not received the money because they either did not provide their bank details or ignored the council’s letters.

Councillor David Harris, council deputy leader and portfolio holder for resources, said some residents might have thought the letters were a scam.

He advised those residents to check the council’s website or call the council tax team to verify their authenticity.

"This money was part of a package to help people meet the rising cost of energy bills, and we want to make sure everyone gets what they are entitled to," he said.

"One of the key issues we have encountered when trying to track people down is that some residents think it is too good to be true and must be a scam, as you do not get letters telling you, 'We will pay you £150 if you give us your bank details', every day."

The council said it would be writing once more to those still owed money and asked them to respond as soon as possible.