£100 energy payment for eligible English households

Chancellor John Healey has announced a £100 Household Energy Payment for households in council tax bands A to D in England, with payments expected to begin in January 2027. The government says about 20 million households are expected to qualify for the £2.6 billion scheme, intended to help with energy costs. Households that pay council tax by direct debit and live in an eligible band will not need to apply. Their payment is expected to go directly into their bank account. Councils will invite other eligible households to apply if they do not pay by direct debit. The government has warned that only councils should contact residents to claim personal information for the payment. The announced eligibility applies to people responsible for council tax on, and living in, a property in bands A to D that is their primary residence. People living in homes in bands E to H, second homes and vacant properties are among those reported as ineligible. Final eligibility criteria and detailed delivery guidance have not yet been published. The Local Taxation Division at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said councils would also receive a £100 million discretionary fund...