Somerset residents can receive extra help with their council tax bills under new discretionary schemes being launched by their local authorities.

Council taxpayers in Somerset have been eligible for a £150 one-off rebate on their council tax announced by chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak MP in February, provided their property falls within Bands A to D.

The government has also set aside £144million for discretionary payments, allowing local councils to provide additional targeted support for those who need it.

Two of Somerset's district councils have now announced details of their local schemes, with further details expected to be provided by the other two in the coming weeks.

Mendip District Council's cabinet confirmed details of its discretionary scheme (backed by £195,150 of government funding) in Shepton Mallet on Monday evening (May 16), with the support being comprised of three elements designed to offset households' rising energy costs.

Firstly, any household within council tax bands E to H can apply for a one-off £150 rebate, provided they are already receiving council tax support – with 174 households in Mendip currently being eligible.

Secondly, any household already receiving council tax support can apply for a £25 "top-up" rebate, regardless of their council tax band – which will benefit around 6,000 households in the Mendip district.

Finally, individuals who are in "exceptional circumstances" (i.e. seriously struggling to pay their energy bills) can apply for a further £150 rebate.

Councillor Barry O'Leary, portfolio holder for enterprise and finance, said: "It is really important that rural households in council tax bands E to H, who are in receipt of council tax support, also receive some targeted help, and we act now to do so.

"These type of properties are often not on the grid, they tend to be older, larger houses such as farm properties which may have a high notional value, but their owners are quite often the most impoverished.

"The fastest way for residents to receive the rebate is if they pay council tax by direct debit, as we already hold your bank account details, so payments can be made quickly. You are still in control of your finances.

"Over 91 per cent of those who have a direct debit account have already been paid the original £150 energy rebate, thanks to a concerted push to promote the scheme and the dedication of our staff who are determined to get these funds straight into the pockets of the people."

Somerset West and Taunton Council had published details of a similar scheme ahead of its next full council meeting on May 24.

Its scheme will consist of the following components:

– A one-off payment of £150 for households in bands E to H who receive council tax support

– A top-up payment of £24 to all households who receive council tax support

– A fund of £5,000 for exceptional relief payments of £150

To apply for the additional support from Mendip, visit www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10897/150-Energy-Rebate if you live in the Mendip area or www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/benefits/discretionary-payments if you live in the Somerset West and Taunton area.

Both Sedgemoor District Council and South Somerset District Council will be announcing details of their discretionary schemes in the coming weeks.