LOCAL authorities across England are set to receive millions of pounds to help out households to ease off soaring energy bills.

Citizens that live in band A to D households will automatically be given a £150 council tax rebate from April, which will not need to be repaid.

This will cost the government £3bn as part of a response to offset financial pressures on households as energy bills are set to rise by 54 per cent for millions of people.

The Chancellor of Exchequer Rishi Sunak said this would support a majority of families to adjust to the higher prices.

READ MORE: Slough's children's service is improving but remains "fragile"

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has been allocated nearly £4.6m for this scheme whereas Slough Borough Council received £7.2m to dish out to its band A to D households.

The £150 one-off award will automatically be applied to residents’ council tax bills. But those who do not pay by direct debit, there will be an invitation to make an application. The council will provide a further update when available.

The government has also set up a discretionary scheme to the tune of £144m for households who may not qualify for the rebate. This includes people on low incomes in council tax bands E to H.

READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead domestic abuse strategy approved

The Royal Borough was awarded £294,150 and is “currently considering options” on how this scheme may assist financially vulnerable residents. Further guidance will be updated on the council website.

Slough Borough Council was given £363,450 as part of the discretionary scheme.

Mr Sunak has also announced a repayable £200 discount on bills in England, Wales, and Scotland from October as part of a £9.1bn support package, which includes the rebate.

Unlike the £150 discount, people will have to repay £200 via £40 instalments over a five-year period from 2023, when global wholesale gas prices are expected to come down.