Brighton & Hove Council identified a number of households who said they do not need the energy council tax rebate which is intended to help with fuel bills. In response, they supported the launch of the Brighton & Hove Cost of Living Crisis Appeal, the funds of which will go directly to supporting the most vulnerable households in the area.
Background
The council tax energy rebate deadline is 30 September and the Department for Levelling up, Housing & Communities guidance stipulates that any funds not distributed by that date will have to be repaid to Government.
The initiative
The council identified a number of households who are not paying by direct debit who had stated they did not want or need the grant, which is intended to help with energy bills. In response, the council supported Brighton & Hove Citizen’s Advice and Brighton & Hove Food Partnership to team up and launch the Brighton Hove Cost of Living Crisis Appeal. The council are encouraging those that can to donate to the appeal and have included messaging on their council tax energy rebate web page and via other communications.
The donation scheme has been hugely successful and has so far raised £35,600, which will go directly to supporting the most vulnerable households in the local area with fuel and food vouchers.
Partners have agreed that no salaries or overhead costs will be paid for from this fund, meaning all donations will go directly to those in need.
The council will soon be running a final campaign to ensure that all unwanted rebate funds stay in the local area and support the local population.