BLACKBURN with Darwen Council has confirmed that households entitled to a council tax rebate to help with rising costs of energy who pay by direct debit will automatically receive their payment into their bank account in late April.

The cash from the government consists of a direct payment of £150 to households in council tax bands A to D.

For those households in Council Tax Band A to D that do not currently pay their council tax by direct debit, the council will contact them directly by email or letter outlining how to apply.

Rossendale Council has announced a similar scheme and Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson has said he expects his authority to follow suit.

Blackburn with Darwen borough finance boss Cllr Vicky McGurk said: "The council will be developing a scheme and additional information will be published on the council’s website.

"This rebate payment will be a welcome boost for homes across the borough but we do need wider-ranging measures to tackle the growing financial pressures across the board.

"There is no need to contact the council as this stage about this rebate."

Rossendale Council is encouraging all residents that do not pay council tax by direct debit to register to do so by March 17.

A council spokeswoman said: “If people pay for their council tax via direct debit, then this money will automatically be sent direct to their bank account, and they will not be required to fill in any applications for the rebate."