Energy bill support extended as Warm Home Discount confirmed
Millions of households across Great Britain will continue to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount each winter until 2030/31, after the government confirmed the scheme will run for the rest of the decade.
The extension means eligible households will receive the £150 rebate on their energy bills every winter, providing ongoing support during colder months.
The announcement follows an expansion of the scheme last year, which added around 2.7 million households and brought the total number of eligible homes to about six million.
The government said this support comes alongside measures due to take effect from April, when households are expected to see an average £150 reduction in energy costs following announcements made at the Budget.
Changes have also been confirmed to the way the scheme operates in Scotland, with around 345,000 households expected to receive the rebate automatically next winter. This is an increase of around 250,000 households, reducing the need for people to apply directly to their energy supplier.
A small number of households across Great Britain will still need to provide additional information to receive the discount this winter. Those who have received a letter asking them to contact the helpline must do so by 27 February.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“Tackling the affordability crisis is the government’s number one priority.
“That is why we are today confirming to millions of eligible families across the country that they will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter for the rest of the decade.
“That will give families much-needed peace of mind that they will continue to receive vital support in the cold winter months, as we take action to bring down bills for good.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“The UK Government is taking steps to tackle the cost of living and thousands of families across Wales will benefit from the extension to the Warm Homes Discount for the rest of the decade.
“Our key objective is putting more money in people’s pockets, firstly by growing the economy but also by supporting households as we bring down energy bills for good.”
The announcement follows the launch of the £15bn Warm Homes Plan, which the government says is aimed at helping households reduce energy use and lower bills over the longer term.
Ned Hammond, deputy director of policy at Energy UK, said:
“It’s very good news to see confirmation that the Warm Home Discount will be in place until the end of the decade which, particularly with the recent expansion, will provide continuing vital support with energy bills to millions of customers.
“The changes in Scotland are also very welcome as it will mean many more customers receiving the discount automatically without having to apply.”
Matt Copeland, head of policy and public affairs at National Energy Action, said:
“The five-year continuation of the Warm Home Discount is welcome news for low-income households and provides support that extends beyond this parliament.
“Directly reducing energy bills can be a vital lifeline for vulnerable people who cannot keep their homes adequately warm.”
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