I write in response to the letter published in the Dorset Echo on 9 May: Delays to £150 council tax rebate.

I’d like to reassure readers that Dorset Council’s Revenues & Benefits team is working flat out to arrange these payments to residents.

This is a one-off non-repayable payment of £150 to assist with the rise in energy costs. The government have set councils a deadline to ensure all payments are made by 30 September 2022.

Residents of properties in council tax bands A-D who pay by direct debit should be issued their payment directly to their account this week.

Residents who don’t pay by direct debit will soon receive a letter from us explaining the quick and simple process for claiming their £150 payment.

Contrary to speculation, there has not been a delay: we have responded swiftly and appropriately as soon as we received the guidance from government about how the payments should be made.

There is more information on the council website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax/energy-bills-rebate

Thank you.

Cllr Gary Suttle

Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy at Dorset Council