Thousands of households in Leek, and millions more around the country, are set to receive a £150 council tax rebate in an effort to tackle rising energy bills and the cost of living crisis.

In plans published by the Government today (Thursday 3rd February) households in England which are in council tax bands A-D will receive a £150 rebate. This equates to around 80% of the households in the country.

The plans were announced by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, today, who said that the cost of living crisis "was the number one issue on people's minds".

Labour have criticised the announcement, with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves calling it a "buy now, pay later scheme".

The rebate to bills will be made directly by local authorities from April.

Also, domestic electricity customers will get £200 off their energy bills from October.

The discount will then be automatically recovered from people's bills in equal £40 instalments over the next five years. This will begin from 2023, when global wholesale gas prices are expected to come down.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: "Right now, I know the number one issue on people's minds is the rising cost of living.

"That's why the Government is stepping in with direct support that will help around 28 million households with their rising energy costs over the next year.

"We stood behind British people and businesses throughout the pandemic and it's right we continue to do that as our economy recovers in the months ahead."

What are you going to do with your £150 in April? Save it, treat yourself or use it to pay the bills? Feel free to let us know in the comments on social media!