15 October 2023 , 23:01
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More than 800,000 of Britain’s poorest households missed out on £120million of help with energy bills last winter because of Government changes, campaigners have found.
The £150 annual Warm Home Discount is supposed to be targeted at those people who are most in need. But critics say not only has the rebate risen by just £10 in the past decade – while average energy bills have jumped £800 since 2021 – it has also become harder to qualify for it.
Households will discover from today if they are eligible for this year’s £150 winter rebate, and the Government says more than three million should qualify. About 2.5 million households are believed to have received the help last winter. But changes meant 500,000 in England and Wales receiving Personal Independence Payments and Disability Living Allowance were no longer eligible.
And 300,000 households missed out after being asked to provide an energy performance certificate, fuel poverty charity National Energy Action said. They can cost more than £100.
NEA policy director Peter Smith said: “This is money the poorest don’t have, and too many people just give up hope of being helped. It’s so frustrating for them and for our advisers. After all, the people who are missing out are paying for the policy through their energy bills but still aren’t benefiting.”
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Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “We know many families are still facing pressures. That is why we are continuing to provide financial support for those most in need.”