Government website crashes just minutes after John Healey's £100 council tax payment announcement

The Government website has crashed after Chancellor John Healey announced a £100 Household Energy Payment for homeowners in certain tax bands.

Britons rushing to check their tax band have caused the Government's website to crash during the delivery of his Autumn Statement.

Making the announcement to MPs this afternoon, Mr Healey said: "Today, I am taking one further step. This winter, for 20 million households in council tax bands A to D, I am announcing a £100 Household Energy Payment, paid directly into people’s bank accounts to help deal with rising energy bills.

"A £2.6billion scheme to take the pressure off in the coldest months and see people through to the Spring.

"The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments will receive their share of this funding, and I call on them to do the same and give people in all nations of the UK breathing space on their energy bills.

"Breathing space now, hope for the future."

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