I share local residents’ concerns about rising prices and inflation. The Government is putting policies in place to ensure that there is help for those who need it most and that it arrives as quickly as possible.
Following Ofgem’s confirmation that the energy price cap will increase from April, the Government has announced a three part plan to help with household fuel bills:
- A smoothing rebate on energy bills for all households, to be paid back over the next five years at £40 per year, interest free – starting from April 2023;
- A non-repayable £150 cash rebate for homes in Council Tax bands A-D – equivalent to 80 per cent of all households, helping both lower and middle-income families; and
- £144 million of discretionary funding for local authorities to support households not eligible – including properties in bands A-D that are exempt from council tax, and households on lower incomes in higher bands.
The Government is also continuing with plans to increase the Warm Homes Discount and extend eligibility by one-third to 3 million vulnerable households (worth £150).
This package provides more generous support to most households faster than other proposals. There is further energy price advice available here: www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk/energy-price-advice