Energy rebate payments to be given to some Ipswich households as residents are urged to check their eligibility

Payments of up to £150 are to be given to some Ipswich households through a new energy rebate scheme, and residents are urged to check their eligibility soon as funding is limited.

The scheme is for those not previously eligible for an energy rebate, including certain households within council tax bands E to H and those in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – meaning at least three people from different families live there.

Labour councillor Bryony Rudkin, Deputy Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “I am pleased we are now able to launch our discretionary energy rebate scheme.

“The past few months have not been easy for many families and I hope that this funding will provide a boost to those in need.

“I would also urge residents to be wary of potential scams and not give out personal information (particularly their bank details) in response to text messages, emails, phone calls or social media posts claiming to be about this payment.

“The only way to apply is via the secure route set out on our website.”

Residents can check their eligibility and start their application via the Ipswich Borough Council website.

Applications opened on July 11 and will close on or before September 4. The council may stop taking applications earlier than September 4 if the scheme is over-subscribed.

Conservative councillor Elizabeth Harsant said: “This can only be a good thing, and it is good to see it is a government initiative.

“I know from helping to house someone recently that a lot of people living in HMOs are desperately hard up.

“People who are entitled to the payment should be patient. I have already had people ringing me up about the cost-of-living payments, which the government started paying to people in real need today.

“These things don’t happen overnight.”

Ipswich Borough Council has received £274,350 of funding from the government for the scheme, designed to help those most likely to be impacted by increased energy prices and cost of living.