Energy Bills Rebate
The government has announced a package of support to assist households meet increasing energy costs. Most households in Council Tax band A-D will receive a one off, non-repayable, £150 payment from April 2022. Single person households in these bands will be eligible for the full payment of £150.
Legislation provided that we should add a statement on the front of the Council Tax bills and this is shown at the bottom of the bill. The Energy Rebate is not shown within the Council Tax calculation or deducted from the amounts to be paid. It can only be paid to households occupying properties on 1 April 2022 and will not be paid to second homes.
If you pay your bill by direct debit we will, if the legislation allows, pay the rebate into your bank account. There are a number of checks we need to perform prior to making payment and so this will not happen until late April at the earliest. Payments will not reduce the Council Tax bill and are made as a one off payment per household.
For those paying by other methods we will write to all eligible households explaining how to claim the rebate. Our website will be updated with further information as soon as we are able.
Find out more and apply for the Energy Rebate.
Bank Account update
During 2021 we changed our bank account. If you make payment by standing order, faster payment or online with your bank, please ensure you refer to your bill and quote the reference number from the front and use the bank details shown on the reverse. We have also provided all non direct debit payers with a bar code on the front of the bills to allow payment to be made at a post office or pay point outlet.
Adult Social Care (ASC)
Government has allowed councils who are responsible for providing ASC to increase their Council Tax again this year. The funds raised by the ASC precept are ring-fenced to use for the provision of Adult Social Care services.
Your bill shows the figures relating to both general expenditure and the Adult Social Care (ASC) precept; each are accompanied by a percentage change figure. We have chosen to increase the general expenditure precept by 1.998% and the ASC precept by 0.996%. Both of these figures are shown rounded as 2% and 1% respectively on your bill.
The percentage increase for the ASC element is calculated on the combined total of the Dorset Council and ASC charges from last year's bill. Whilst we understand this looks different to how other percentage increases are displayed, the bills have been calculated correctly, in accordance with regulations and guidance, and should be paid as requested.
How it is calculated
The following example shows how the ASC precept has been calculated for 2022/23 based on a band D property. The principle of calculation is the same for all bands.
| Shown at the bottom of your new bill | 2021-22 bill | 2022-23 bill | Increase as a percentage of combined total | Increase between 2021/22 and 2022/23 charge | How the percentage is calculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorset Council | £1,594.08 |
£1,629.63 |
1.998% (2% rounded) |
£35.55 |
35.55/1779.39 = 1.998% |
| Adult Social Care Precept | £185.31 |
£203.04 |
0.996% (1% rounded) |
£17.73 |
17.73/1779.39 = 0.996% |
| Dorset Council combined total | £1,779.39 |
£1,832.67 |
2.994% |
£53.28 |
53.28/1779.39 = 2.994% |
In this example the combined total from 2021/22 is £1,779.39 and the percentage change figure that is shown on the bill is 2% for Dorset Council general expenditure and 1% for ASC.
The ASC increase shown for 2022/23 is calculated based on the Dorset Council combined total charge for 2021/22 (in this example, £1779.39).
The ASC precept increase is calculated as follows:
£1,779.39 x 0.996% = £17.73
£17.73 + £185.31* = £203.04 (*2021/22 ASC charge)
This amount is then added to the 2021/22 ASC precept of £185.31 as this is a cumulative charge:
£62.22 (2017/18) + £39.81 (2018/19) + £32.52 (2020/21) + £50.76(2021/22) +£17.73(this year’s increase) = £203.04
Note - There was no ASC increase in 2019/20
See more information on previous years ASC.
Your bill shows the amounts charged by Dorset Council, Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority and your Town/Parish Council (if appropriate) for the services they provide.