Despite the record rise in wholesale gas prices due to Russia’s aggression that raises overall energy costs, it is important to stress that no one needs to suffer a cold home during any cold weather, due to the huge amount of financial support being provided by the Conservative government, which crucially is highest for those most at risk and those most in need.
From this month, a new Energy Price Guarantee will mean a household with average usage will pay no more than £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years. This stops the 80% increase in energy prices being passed on to consumers. Also from this month, every household will receive £400 off energy bills. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between this October and March 2023. There is no need to apply for the scheme and you will never be asked for your bank details. Please do be alert for scammers sending bogus texts and emails falsely claiming that you have to make a claim for this discount.
Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will also receive an additional payment of £650 this year. This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in summer and another in this autumn, and is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills.
Additionally, individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment from September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.
In the winter, Pensioners will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be 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 severe and prolonged cold winter weather, there are cold weather payments of an additional £25 extra a week for those already getting certain benefits.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
5th October 2022
