Households struggling to pay their energy bills are being urged to speak their council as soon as possible. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reminding families of the assistance provided by the Household Support Fund.
This fund can be used to make homes more energy efficient, as well as helping households with the cost of bills amid cold temperatures. So far, the Government has invested more than £2billion into the scheme since its launch with over £360million being paid into homes to help with energy and water costs between October 2021 and March 2023.
Energy bill support is available through local councils
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Hundreds of boilers and radiators have been introduced into homes in Kingston upon Hull Council, with other devices such as new thermostats and radiator valves also being introduced.
Pensioners residing in Swindon Borough Council have been awarded tens of thousands of pounds in tailored heating support, including fuel grants and system repairs.
According to the Government, the Household Support Fund is part of its promise to “deliver a brighter future to vulnerable Britons”.
Over the last year and a half, households have been saddled with rising energy bills as a result of the cost of living crisis.
With Ofgem recently raising the price cap to £1,928 per year, families with average usage are expected to pay more towards their gas and electricity.
However, the DWP is encouraging those unable to cope with soaring energy costs to come forward to see what they are entitled to.
Jo Churchill MP, the Minister for Employment, explained: “The Household Support Fund is there for anyone who needs a helping hand.
“This Fund allows councils to help in all kinds of ways – from providing heating support, like boilers and insulation, to other needs, such as kitchen essentials, free school meals and warm clothing.
“Now inflation has more than halved, and the economy has turned a corner, anyone who feels they need help this winter should get in touch with their local council to find out how this Fund can help them.”
Over the last year, the Government has handed out support worth an average £37,00 per household, including the £900 cost of living payment for people on means-tested benefits.
Furthermore, around three million households are estimated to benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount.
As well as this, more than 11 pensioners received up to £600 in Winter Fuel Payments in December of last year.
