New details announced on cost of living payments

In response to the Government publishing new details about the cost of living payments that will go out from spring this year to spring 2024, National Energy Action chief executive Adam Scorer says:

“With further eye watering increases to bills from this April, these payments will help in part offset some of the terrible impacts many vulnerable consumers would otherwise face. Knowing broadly when they will be paid out will also help households manage their increasing outgoings.”

Despite the UK Government’s new targeted support payments, National Energy Action (NEA) estimates over 1.5 million more households will still be pushed into fuel poverty due to the April hike, 8.4 million UK households in total; including:

• 1.8 million carers
• 5.9 million low-income and financially vulnerable households
• 3.6 million people with a disability
• 1.6 million households in off-gas homes

Adam continues:

“The Government’s targeted support won’t be enough however to stop millions of vulnerable people sinking further into debt or being at risk of physical and mental harm, as they ration their energy to dangerous levels.

“Most worryingly, we believe around 2.5 million low-income households won’t get any targeted help at all, particularly low-income, working age households who are not receiving means tested benefits.

“The sooner we move to a deeper form of price support that captures those who are most at risk of a cold home, the sooner we can avert the needless suffering further increases in bills creates.

“In the meantime, the UK Government should at least step in to stop households on prepayment meters or paying by cheques or cash paying far more than direct debit customers.”