May 5th, 2022.

LDC release:



Residents across Lewes district are now receiving the £150 energy rebate in their accounts, thanks to the efforts of Lewes District Council ouncil staff.

With 32,000 households to assess, the council team had to create an automated validation process that ensures payments are only made to eligible residents.

Some 24,000 direct debit payers are being processed first, followed by 8,000 who use alternative payment methods and will begin receiving letters over the course of the next few weeks to apply for the rebate.

The total payments made in Lewes district over the last few days is £2,955,600– confirmation letters are being sent to households.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, explained: “Thousands of residents are facing the most stark outlook and choices in everyday living. From food to gas and electricity, bills are soaring and the family budget has never been under so much strain as it is now.

“In a week when BP has announced £4.9 billion in profits, it is nothing short of shameful that a windfall tax has not been agreed and the proceeds used to help our most vulnerable in the district.”

Where the automated payment system flags up an account as requiring more information or clarification before payment can be made, council officers will write to the council taxpayer concerned - the council will not telephone residents and ask for any details.

Councillor Nicholson added: “Our staff did a brilliant job during the pandemic with the speed and accuracy of grant payments to businesses and they have repeated the feat with this rebate scheme. I am most grateful to them all.”

To find out more about the Energy Rebate Scheme or set up a direct debit visit lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/council-tax/energy-rebate-scheme/