The energy regulator Ofgem has announced that prices are set to increase by 10% from 1st October 2024. This comes just weeks after the Chanceller Rachel Reeves defended her decision to only make the Winter Fuel Payment available to people who receive pension credit.
Previously, anyone above state pension age received the Winter Fuel Payment automatically, which could be worth anything from £100 – £300 depending on age and circumstances. Starting this winter, only those in receipt of pension credit will be eligible for the payment.
This will mean that thousands of people who relied on the Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs will be left to fend for themselves.
Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative (BHESCo), a social enterprise who have been tackling fuel poverty in the city since 2015, are expecting a challenging winter ahead.
Kayla Ente MBE, CEO of BHESCo, said:
“Already one in ten households are unable to properly heat their home. This hike in energy costs coming at the same time that older people are losing the Winter Fuel Payment will have a devastating impact on people’s health and wellbeing. We visit food banks every week to advise people who are already overwhelmed about how to manage energy costs.
We agree that the Winter Fuel Payment needed to be better targeted, but introducing this change so quickly will suddenly remove a lifeline on which so many depend.
We advise people that the most effective action they can take to make their homes warmer and reduce bills is to install insulation. Thankfully programmes like the Great British Insulation Scheme and the Warmer Homes Programme are available to help.
However, we know that about 40% of people in a city like Brighton and Hove don’t own their own home, so Government and Councils need to do more to incentivise landlords to upgrade their properties to decent homes standards”.
There may also be some unexpected consequences following the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment. In the past, it was often the case that households who received the payment but didn’t need it would donate their payment to support those most in need. In Brighton and Hove, the Brighton Lions Club have run a campaign since 2019 called ‘Project Wenceslas’, receiving donations to distribute to those struggling with energy debts.
Richard Lintott from the Club said:
“Over the time we have been running Project Wenceslas appeal, Brighton Lions have distributed approximately £ £40,000 to people in need of help to clear their energy. This has only been possible because the people of Brighton & Hove have sent us their Winter Fuel Payment. This will obviously stop overnight.
We will still run the appeal and try to help people who are in great need. The situation where people have to make a choice of ‘eat or heat’ is totally unacceptable and the Lions will help where we can.
If people would like to donate to this cause, please visit the Brighton Lions website and the details will remain as before”.
If you need help with energy costs or heating your home then visit our dedicated advice page for valuable information or to refer yourself for help.
0 Comments