RESIDENTS have been urged to claim their council tax energy rebate vouchers before "it's too late".

Buckinghamshire Council is reminding residents to apply for their free £150 rebate from the governement by Friday, September 30.

More than 8,000 people across Bucks still haven’t cashed the vouchers they were sent last month, the authority said.

The rebate was paid to all households in bands A-D earlier this year, as part of the government’s support to help deal with the cost of living crisis.

John Chilver, cabinet member for affordable housing and resources said: “With winter just around the corner and the rising cost of living beginning to bite we really want to make sure everyone who was entitled to the energy rebate claims the £150 to put towards their energy bills. I’d also like to remind residents that this rebate is not a loan and does not have to be paid back.

“Please help us spread the word. If you know of a neighbour, family member, friend or someone you work with who hasn’t cashed in their voucher, remind them that they will miss out after 30 September – this deadline is set by central government and cannot be extended.”