WITH the news that government is giving £150 rebate to help with the cost of living, comes inevitable scammers.

Sedgemoor Digital have received several calls to say that residents have been asked to give their bank details to receive the rebate.

"This is a scam," a statement from the council read.

"If you have given over personal details, we would advise you to call the Police straight away on 101 and report the matter as an identity theft scam.

"The Police will also direct you to the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040."

The energy rebate scheme was announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help people with rising energy bills.

This includes those who already receive assistance in paying some or all of their council bill through local council tax support.

All eligible households in England in council tax bands A to D, should get the £150 payment from their District Council from April this year.

If residents pay their council tax by direct debit, they will automatically get the rebate payment into their bank account without needing to take any action.

For the 16,000 or so households in Sedgemoor who do not currently pay their council tax through direct debit; getting the rebate money to them will take longer as they will need to go through a claims process.

To set up a council tax direct debit, please call us on 0300 303 7800, or go to www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/counciltaxaccount .