More than two thirds of eligible council tax payers in Mendip have been paid their £150 council tax energy rebate.

So far, 27,179 households have received the support - a total of more than £4 million paid out.

Mendip District Council began processing payments to eligible residents in Bands A-D who pay their council tax by direct debit, earlier this week. Some 67.2% have been paid on this first payment run which is also 91.5% of all those paying by Direct Debit.

These monies should be in bank accounts over the next couple of days. All 27,179 will receive an official notification explaining the payment. The £150 will show as "Mendip District Co" on their bank statements.

The energy rebate was actioned by Government who recognised many homeowners will be economically vulnerable due to energy price rises. The work has been significant and extremely complex, but staff have been working hard to process payments quickly and efficiently to support those struggling with household energy costs.

Mendip has 40,422 eligible households in Bands A-D for this rebate. This leaves 13,243 to pay. These council tax payers will soon receive, a letter through the post inviting them to complete a short online application form for the rebate on the council's website. They will be asked to give their bank account details and confirm their council tax account, after which they will get the £150 as a BACS payment. This is established practice up and down the country as the best way to ensure this rebate is paid promptly but also accurately and by secure methods.

There is a dedicated phone service available now (via the council tax phone line on council tax bills) if people want to know more or have a query. Mendip's Customer Services staff at Council Access Points will also help residents.

Mendip District Council has been keeping their partners at Mendip Citizen Advice up-to-date with progress regarding this important welfare project. Mendip Citizen Advice are on hand to help residents with any issues they may have.

All eligible households in England in council tax bands A to D, should get the £150 payment from their District Council from April this year. For those who not eligible for a rebate under the terms of the core scheme, but are struggling to meet the costs of rising energy bills (including those who live in properties that fall into council tax bands E, F, G and H) a national £144 million discretionary fund is being launched by Government and made available through local authorities. More news about this on our website soon.

You'll find everything you need to know about the energy rebate HERE: