Almost 60,000 properties in the Arun district are in council tax bands A to D, which could be covered by a new £100 household energy payment announced in the Budget.

Chancellor John Healey announced the payment yesterday (October, 28), with the scheme intended to help eligible households with their energy costs over winter.

According to the latest figures from the Government’s Council Tax Stock of Properties Summary Tables, there were 289,920 in bands A-D across West Sussex as of March 31, 2026.

Figures suggest that payments could have an estimated value of £6m in Arun if every property counted received the payment. However, the actual number of eligible households and the eventual cost of the scheme locally have yet to be established.

placeholder image — Arun Civic Centre Credit: Lily Wells

According to the Government statistics, Arun had 59,940 properties in the bands A to D, representing around 74% of all properties in the district.

These figures are based on the number of properties recorded in each council tax band on March 31, rather than the number of confirmed households eligible for the payment.

The £100 payments are due to begin in January 2027. Eligible households that pay their council tax by direct debit will receive the money directly into their bank account, while those who do not pay by direct debit will be invited to apply by the councils.

The scheme will include most households exempt from council tax, according to the Government, but full eligibility criteria is yet to be published.

Second homes, empty properties or households where the occupant isn’t responsible for paying council tax are not eligible.

The Government has also announced an additional £100 million for local authorities to provide discretionary support to the households who are not eligible for the £100 support but still need help with their energy bills.