A joint report from NEA and Waterwise

Following on from the June 2020 NEA policy paper “The Gathering Storm: Utility Debt and Covid-19”, this paper provides an evidence synthesis of personal debt, both prior and post the Covid-19 outbreak, with a focus on the shift from consumer debt, such as loans and credit cards, to household debts, such as arrears with utility providers, offering a comparison of known debt levels in energy, water and local government.

A new paper published on National Stress Awareness Day is warning UK debts owed to government and utility providers are set to soar due to the impacts of Covid.

Following on from the June 2020 NEA policy paper “The Gathering Storm: Utility Debt and Covid-19”, this paper provides an evidence synthesis of personal debt, both prior and post the Covid-19 outbreak, with a focus on the shift from consumer debt, such as loans and credit cards, to household debts, such as arrears with utility providers, offering a comparison of known debt levels in energy, water and local government.

NEA’s Response to the BEIS Consultation on a Green Gas Levy. NEA disagrees with the introduction of a new levy on gas bills to pay for green gas projects, and believes that this should be paid for out of general taxation. If the proposals were to be taken ahead for a new levy, NEA believes that this should be constructed in distributionally fair way instead of the proposed flat rate for all users.

NEA recognises that many low-income households experience affordability issues with their essential household bills, rarely struggling with one bill in isolation, and as a result is delivering a programme of work which seeks to support ‘People Living in Water Poverty and Fuel Poverty’.

Empowering Energy

Mae Gwasanaeth Cyngor WASH NEA yn wasanaeth cymorth am ddim sy’n darparu cyngor i ddeiliaid tai yng Nghymru a Lloegr ar eu biliau ynni ac yn cadw’n gynnes ac yn ddiogel yn eu cartref.

At NEA our priority is to ensure that everyone is able to live in a warm home. This remains important, particularly when people may be spending more time at home or facing uncertainties regarding income.  However we also do not want to put anyone at unnecessary risk.