£100 energy payment through the council-tax system

The government has announced a £100 Household Energy Payment for households in council-tax bands A, B, C and D in England. Local authorities will deliver payments from January 2027, with the money intended to go directly into bank accounts.

• This household energy support is delivered through the council-tax system, rather than a permanent reduction in council-tax bills.
• The announcement uses property bands to identify households, rather than setting an income threshold.
• An additional £100 million will be available to councils for targeted help for households particularly affected by energy costs, including some living in properties above band D.
• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive funding, but their governments will determine their arrangements.

The published Budget does not yet explain the full application process, qualifying date or arrangements for people whose council tax is included in their rent, who receive full Council Tax Reduction, or whose council does not hold bank details. 

These households should check their council’s official guidance once published rather than assume how the payment will work. Visit the Government's benefits section here

Other key measures from the Autumn Budget include:

• Minimum wages will rise by 3.9% from April 2027, taking the rate for workers aged 21 and over to £13.21 an hour.
• Electricity VAT relief and the temporary fuel-duty cut will continue until July 2027.
• Eligible self-employed fathers, partners and adopters will receive parental support from April 2029, with detailed eligibility still to be confirmed.
• From 2030–31, Carer’s Allowance will reduce gradually as earnings exceed the limit, instead of stopping completely after even a small increase above it.
  

You can find out about the all changes announced in the 2026 Autumn Budget here 

Get in touch

We're here if you are concerned about how these updated measures may affect you, if you have questions about benefits you might be entitled to or any every day money management worries.

Simply fill in our Services Contact Form or call our Helpline on 0800 093 8543 and one of the team will be in touch.

All advice is free and fully confidential. 

^{The helpline is open 9am – 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Open 10am – 4.30pm on Wednesday. Excludes bank holidays.}