A tweet from Preston City Council about the council tax energy rebate has attracted a series of scathing replies.
AdvertisementThe post from Friday (6 May) included an image with a quote from Interim Director of Customer Services, Adrian Robinson.
It said: “We are working as fast as we can with the resources available to us, to identify qualifying recipients and make the £150 council tax rebate for home energy costs. We have a duty to ensure that the allocation of these public funds are accurate and paid to the right people. This undertaking includes following Government guidance to reduce the risk of fraudulent claims by verifying bank account details prior to administering payment.
“For those who have already paid instalments towards their 2022/23 council tax bill by direct debit, we aim to make payments as soon as possible.
“Once the direct debit cases have been paid in the coming weeks, we will be writing to other eligible households with details of an alternative method of receiving the rebate.”
In response, Gordon Jackson tweeted: “The way in which Councils have gone about this is nothing short of pathetic. A rise in Council tax? Comes out of your bank immediately!”
Elizabeth Cann added: “Terrible they can’t get a simple thing like that sorted. They wouldn’t allow you to be late paying them.”
Dave Walmsley asked: “Is it ok to suspend my monthly payments to you until you settle your debt to me?”
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