As we enter the first month of winter, December will be the third month of six months of £66 discounts that every household is receiving to help with home energy bills.  This welcome policy, when combined with being energy efficient and the warm autumn we’ve had, has meant home energy bills being significantly reduced so far.  For example, the £66 monthly discount meant my own home energy bill for October was reduced from £95 down to £29, and for November its likely to about £106, reduced down to £40, meaning a bill of just over £1 a day for the two autumn months.

More vulnerable residents are likely to have a greater home energy requirement and may also find it harder to pay bills, which is why the Conservative Government is providing additional support for those in need, in addition to the universal October to March £66 monthly discounts for everyone’s bills.

Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, are receiving further additional payments of £650.  Pensioners are also receiving an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which is paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a further payment of between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills.

Furthermore, there is also the Warm Home Discount where nearly three million low-income households are eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills.  In the event of any severe and prolonged cold winter weather, additional cold weather payments of an £25 extra a week are paid for those already getting certain benefits.

Those on household incomes under £30K can also receive free home energy efficient measures via the Warmer Homes Programme, helping to reduce bills.  Advice on keeping warm at home and all the support available, including West Sussex County Council’s Community Hub and the Household Support Fund, can be given at both Crawley Library and Broadfield Library.  Both are open six days a week and everyone is welcome in a warm and friendly environment, as well as there being plenty to read and do there.

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

30th November 2022