Staying warm & help with heating costs.

Ministers have said they will launch a £500m fund for councils to support poorer families through the winter amid an energy supply crisis and the withdrawal of other forms of financial assistance.
The new household support fund will “support millions” via small grants for food, clothing and utilities, with money being disbursed by local authorities 

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/sep/30/rishi-sunak-launches-500m-fund-to-help-struggling-families

Now the big question is:  how do I get my hands on this cash   

From what I can tell  some of the moneys gone into local projects.  The one in Sussex is called “warmth for wellbeing”

There criteria is:

Heating your home to at least 18°C is important for your health and immune system, especially if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a long-term heart or lung condition, diabetes or are pregnant.

https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2020/get-support-keep-your-home-warm-winter

And there the warm home discount scheme too.

You might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill or a £140 voucher for your prepayment meter. You can get this under the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you’re either:

• getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit
• on a low income

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/

From the people I’ve been talking to this week the local council discretionary fund wont cover heating costs.  I think Blackpool’s a good example of this.

COVID19 – Assistance for gas and electricity pre-payment customers

Energy firms are putting in place new measures to help prepayment customers who are struggling or unable to top up during the pandemic.

Suppliers will deal with issues on a case-by-case basis, but if you can’t top up your meter or are struggling to buy credit, please contact your provider directly before making an application to Discretionary Support.

https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Advice-and-support/Discretionary-support-scheme.aspx

That’s not a lot of good if you buy your gas or electric from a landlord.

Its hard to find out what’s happening to the 500 million fund. I get the feeling local councils don’t want you to know about this or part with the money 

I will keep digging 

There 500 million up for grabs and while I wont see a penny of it…..I’m not letting those tvvats at the town hall kept it or pass it out to there mates 

• This topic was modified 3 years ago by  Mr Fishy.

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rosanna