During the current cost-of-living crisis, I know that many local people are struggling with rising bills. The Government has put a wide range of support in place to assist, and it is important that everyone should be able to access everything they are entitled to.
The Government has put together a webpage detailing all of its available support, which you can find below. I would strongly encourage all of my constituents to look at the support that may be available to them - most will be paid automatically, but not all.
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/
The main forms of support are as follows:
1. Cost of Living Payments
These payments are available to those in receipt of many means-tested benefits benefits, and you can find full details of the amounts you should receive and eligibility below. It is very important to ensure that you are claiming all benefits you are entitled to, as this in turn will make you eligible for the associated Cost of Living Payments.
Pensioners will also receive £300 to help pay heating bills. These payments will be made automatically to everyone in receipt of Winter Fuel Allowance, which is available to all pensioners.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment
2. Energy Price Guarantee
The Energy Price Guarantee is a Government-subsidised scheme reduces the cost you pay for each unit of electricity. It applies automatically, but if you have any concerns about whether it is being correctly applied to your bill you should contact your energy supplier straight away.
https:/www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support/energy-bills-su…
3. Energy Bills Support Scheme
This scheme provides a further £400 discount on energy bills for all households in Britain from October. It is automatic, and the discount will be paid in six instalments ending in March 2023.
I am pleased to say that for those who pay for their electricity indirectly through a landlord or park home site manager, the Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding Scheme is now open to apply for £400 of support. Most constituents should receive this payment automatically, but for those who do not there are application details below:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic
For those seeking to claim the Alternative Fuel Payment of £200, which is intended for those living off the gas grid and using alternative fuels like heating oil and bottled gas, you can apply through the same link above.
Finally, for any questions or assistance with an application, please use the email address below or call the helpline team (open Mon-Fri from 8am to 6pm).
Email: alternativefunding@ebss.beis.gov.uk
Telephone: 0808 175 3287
4. Alternative Fuel Payments
The Government has made £200 available (doubled I am pleased to say from an original figure of £100 following lobbying from many rural colleagues) for those heating with alternative fuels including bottled gas, heating oil and biomass. Residents can apply for payments via the same web portal and telephone number that are being used for the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (please see details above). I will publish those contact details as soon as I have them.
5. Cold Weather Payments
For those on certain benefits, there are payments available of £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1st November and 31st March. Payment thresholds have been reached in Teignbridge this year during the cold snap, and you can check your eligibility here:
https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
6. Warm Home Discount
Nearly three million low-income households are eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills. It is paid as a discount on your energy bill.
The scheme is available to those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or to those on a defined low income with high energy costs. You can check your eligibility here:
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
7. Help to Heat
Grants are available to improve the energy efficiency of your home to bring bills down in the long term. There is a portal to find grants that might be available to you here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-ho…
8. Utilities Supplier Schemes
In addition to direct Government support, many utilities providers including South West Water and the major energy companies have their own schemes to assist people with their bills or to give more time to pay. All utilities providers are aware that families are struggling at the moment, and if you are having difficulty paying your bills you should contact your suppliers to see what additional assistance may be available to you.
9. Local Authority Support
Teignbridge District Council can offer guidance and support to families most in need on a discretionary basis. You can find their own cost of living help pages below:
https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-cris…