About 241,150 households in Manchester are due a £100 energy payment, which the government plans to start paying to those in council tax bands A to D in January 2027. Announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, as part of the Autumn Budget, up to 20 million households will be eligible, including an estimated 83% of households in England, and 88% of households in the bottom three income deciles.
How to check your council tax band
Your band is printed on your council tax bill. If you don’t have it to hand, the gov.uk online tool will show it when you enter your postcode or address. The government’s tax service website crashed after the announcement because so many households tried to check at once, so your bill is the simplest route.
Councils banded homes using their value on 1 April 1991. England uses bands A to H, and only A to D qualify. Across Greater Manchester, about 91% of homes in those bands are expected to be covered.
Who gets the £100 energy payment, and how?
The payment goes to around 20 million households nationally. To qualify, you must be responsible for council tax on a property in bands A to D and live there as your main home. Second homes, empty properties and households not liable for council tax do not qualify.
- Pay council tax by direct debit: You don’t need to do anything. The money will go into the bank account you use for that direct debit.
- Pay by cash or another method, or don’t pay council tax: Your local council will run a separate process to pay you.
- Students in university halls: No payment, because halls are not in bands A to D.
- Students renting a band A to D home from a landlord: Eligible.
What else is in the package announced in the Autumn Budget?
The payment is part of a £2.6 billion package meant to help families “through to spring”. The announcement also covers three other measures aimed at household bills this winter:
- Gas standing charges: These cost an average household around £108 a year. The Treasury said it will ask Ofgem to remove them for about 23 million homes “by 2027 or as soon as feasible thereafter”.
- VAT on electricity: The cut is extended until July. The Chancellor said this lowers the annual price cap by £50.
- Fuel duty: The 5p cut is extended until July 2027.
The payment will not arrive until January, so the standing charge change is the one to watch for your gas bill. For now, find your band, check your direct debit details are up to date, and wait for your council’s guidance if you pay another way.
