AROUND 20,000 residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have still not received their £150 Council Tax rebate – and time is running out to secure it.

Government announced the payments back in April, with local authorities responsible for their distribution.

Households in properties in Council Tax band A to D which they live in as their main home are entitled to the £150.

To date the local authority has made more than 117,000 rebate payments, however, there are still thousands who are eligible and missing out. The deadline for the rebate is Sunday, September 18.

A BCP Spokesperson said: “Since May, our team has worked incredibly hard to make over 117,600 Council Tax rebate payments to eligible residents.

“Around 20,000 residents have been identified as being eligible, but are yet to apply for the Energy Rebate.

“We have issued a reminder letter to them, and with little over a month left until the scheme closes to new applications we encourage any other residents who feel they meet the criteria to contact us urgently.”

The council said residents who pay their Council Tax via direct debit do not need to apply for the rebate as their details for the payment are already held.

Government expects councils to “make all reasonable efforts” to contact eligible households where direct debit instructions are not held as early as possible to make them aware of the rebate and invite them to claim for it.

BCP Council said it originally sent letters to non-direct debit payers in May with invitations to apply and reminder letters have recently been sent out to those who still have not applied.

There are approximately 48,000 non-direct debit households in the conurbation of which 28,500 have made an application with 19,500 yet to apply.

Council officers process applications that are received and make payments of the rebate to eligible households based on the government guidance.

The guidance states councils will be required to undertake pre-payment checks prior to payment of any grant which is not awarded to a live direct debit holder.

“We recognise how vital this rebate is to residents as household bills rise and the team are dedicated to completing all outstanding payments as quickly as possible,” the council spokesperson said.

“Residents can find out more information and check their eligibility for the rebate here: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Council-Tax/Energy-Bill-Rebate.aspx.

“We encourage them to do so as soon as possible and before the September 18 deadline.”