“We’d also encourage councils to show flexibility and empathy in the months ahead, the reality is a lot of people are going to face close to impossible choices on bills.”

Richard Neudegg, the head of regulation at Uswitch.com, added: “A £150 council tax rebate for those in bands A to D is a welcome contribution to the household budget shortfall, but only begins to scratch the surface of the inflationary challenges millions of homes will be confronting.

“Households are facing cost of living challenges from all sides, including increases to National Insurance, interest rates, and even broadband and phone bills.