A discretionary scheme helping households that are struggling to pay their energy bills is being made available to more of the district’s residents.
In February this year the Government announced measures to help protect households from rising energy costs including a £150 council tax energy rebate.
Although this is now closed, there is a discretionary scheme for households in need that were not eligible for the rebate and this has been extended.
Applications are invited for a £150 one-off payment from people living in houses of multiple occupation, or where the landlord pays the council tax, but the occupier pays the energy bills.
The £150 payment will be divided by the number of available bedrooms and no payment will be made for any that are unoccupied.
Although funding for the rebate is limited, which means regrettably Lichfield District Council is unable to help every eligible household, the money will make a difference for those who successfully apply.
Councillor Rob Strachan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning, said:
“The discretionary energy rebate is available now to help households with the increased cost of energy.
“While it is not possible for us to support every household due to the finite amount of funding available, we want to help as many people as we possibly can.
“We are therefore inviting eligible residents to apply immediately.”