Household Energy Payment

As part of the 2026 Autumn budget, the Chancellor announced a one-off £100 energy payment to help households with rising energy costs during the winter.

Who is eligible?

Households in Council Tax bands A to D are eligible to receive the payment. Around 64,000 households in Reading are expected to qualify.

You can check your Council Tax band online.

How will it be paid?

The payments will be made from 1 January 2027.

If you pay your Council Tax by direct debit and live in bands A to D, you don’t need to do anything – the rebate will automatically be paid into your bank account. 

You can set up a Council Tax direct debit using your online Bills and Benefits account.

If you don’t pay by direct debit, we will invite you to apply for the payment. More details about how to do this will be available shortly. You do not need to do anything, we will contact you directly.