Residents across Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to set up Direct Debit payments for their council tax to receive their £150 energy rebate faster.

The government recently announced that residents living in properties in Council Tax bands A to D will receive the one-off £150 payment to help with rises in fuel bills.

Eligible households, who pay council tax by Direct Debit, will see the money automatically paid into their bank accounts from April.

Those who don't pay by Direct Debit will be invited to make a claim for the rebate at a later date.

Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Resources said: "Almost three-quarters of all homes in Bath and North East Somerset, around 64,000 properties are in Council Tax bands A-D which means just under £9.6m will be available in energy rebates.

"We are yet to receive full details of the scheme but to speed up the process and ensure you receive your rebate automatically, please consider signing up to pay your bill by Direct Debit, if you do not already do so. It will be the quickest way to get your rebate."

You can find more information about the council tax energy rebate and how to set up a Direct Debit to pay your Council Tax HERE: The website also has a link to check households' Council Tax bands for anyone unsure which band their property is in.