Every UK household is to receive £400 discount on their energy bills this October as part of a package of new measures to rising prices. The discount replaces the £200 repayable rebate announced in February.
Direct debit customers will have the money credited to their accounts. Prepayment meter customers will have the money applied to added to their meter or distributed via a voucher.
Vulnerable households will also get a payment of £650 to help with the cost of living.
Scarf’s Co-Chief Executive, Lawrence Johnston, said: “We at Scarf are seeing first-hand the impact that price rises are having on residents of the North East.
“With colder temperatures and energy inefficient properties, householders in the area are particularly vulnerable to price increases.
“We must welcome all financial support that is made available, but the funding could arrive sooner. We were made aware in early February that significant rises were to arrive in April, with more to come.”
“One-off payments will be of limited consolation to households already budgeting month to month, and making incredibly difficult decisions in order to make ends meet.”
Earlier this week, UK energy regulator Ofgem said the typical household energy bill was set to rise by £800 in October, bringing it to £2,800 a year. Bills had already risen by £700 on average in April.
Mr Johnston added: “One-off payments will be of limited consolation to households already budgeting month to month, and making incredibly difficult decisions in order to make ends meet.”
Scarf advisors can provide free, independent information on funding that is available to households, depending on their circumstances. This includes existing Scottish and UK government funding programmes.
Householders are encouraged to visit the Scarf website in the first instance for information and contact details.
“We don’t want householders to suffer in silence. Please get in touch with Scarf and we will do everything we can to help you achieve affordable energy bills and access to financial support.”
