People who can afford to are being urged to donate their £400 energy grant to help poorer households. Charities and community groups are setting up schemes for those who do not need the discount to divert it to those who are most desperate.
The discount will be paid in six monthly instalments from October – either as a deduction, refund, credit or voucher – to consumers in England, Scotland and Wales.
Fuel Bank Foundation, which provides emergency financial support to households in fuel crisis, said many community groups were coming together to encourage people to donate their grant. Among them are Local Leveller Earlsfield, which will be launched by residents of the south London suburb on 1 September to help guests of Earlsfield food bank. Glyn Goodwin, an organiser, said they were working with a neighbourhood organisation to make it “hyper-local”, but also making it as simple as possible so that other communities could easily follow the same format.
Christians Against Poverty, which is one of 70 charities calling on the Conservative leadership candidates to double financial support for those worst affected by the cost of living crisis, has already seen dozens of supporters donate their £400 rebate – especially in the past two weeks. Calling for targeted support rather than universal payments, Alex Jones, CAP’s head of fundraising, said:
“The reality is that this crisis is already impacting people and further help is needed. For those on the lowest incomes, the increasing cost of living equals a decreasing sense of hope. That’s why we are welcoming any support people can give.”
Matthew Cole, head of Fuel Bank Foundation, said it had been inundated with donations since the end of last year and is seeing groups around the country take action collectively. “People in Earlsfield and elsewhere are saying ‘what can I do to help?’ driving small organisations to get together because it’s going to be horrendous when prices are raised.”
The Trussell Trust said it welcomed individuals’ support, but called for the government to take action. Polly Jones, head of policy and research at the food bank network, said they wanted “a social security system that ensures everyone can afford the essentials and no one is forced to turn to a food bank to get by”.
The government defended the scheme. It said: “Our energy bills support scheme, providing a £400 discount, is designed to reach households as quickly and efficiently as possible this winter. We make no apology for this, recognising the widespread pressure on household budgets from high energy bills.
“We’re also providing additional means-tested support targeting around 8 million of the most vulnerable households, who will receive at least £1,200 each.”
