Consumer Scotland has welcomed an announcement by the UK Government of an extension to the Warm Home Discount scheme but more fundamental reforms are still required.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“We welcome the UK Government’s announcement of an extension to the Warm Home Discount scheme for the next five years which is positive news for the many households that rely on the discount to meet their energy needs.
“In particular, we welcome the intention for the vast majority of consumers in Scotland to receive this payment automatically rather than having to apply for it through their supplier.
“One of Consumer Scotland’s key recommendations to the UK Government to improve the scheme was a shift to automatic payments to bring Scotland into line with England and Wales and this change will help ensure eligible consumers don’t miss out.
“However, while the scheme provides critical support there are deficiencies which remain unaddressed including cliff-edge eligibility which means households just outside the qualifying criteria receive no support despite potentially struggling to meet essential energy needs.
“The flat-rate discount also means there is no link with energy consumption disadvantaging households with unavoidably higher usage, such as those with complex medical needs or terminal illness.
“In addition, we would like to see consideration of how support could be provided to off-grid customers, including those on heat networks, who are struggling to pay their bills.
“Government’s attention should now turn to the fundamental reform needed. This includes better targeted eligibility criteria taking account of energy consumption, energy efficiency and household characteristics including disability, medical needs, rurality and families with young children - all of which can lead to greater essential energy use.”
Background
Fundamental reform needed to improve Warm Home Discount scheme