SNP Defence spokesperson Dave Doogan MP is supporting the push for permanent residents of park homes or static caravans in Scotland to apply for a dedicated Warm Home Discount scheme operated by Charis.
Charis Grants Ltd. is a privately owned company established in 2003 to facilitate the distribution of funds and grants by energy companies, charities, housing associations and other bodies, including Citizens Advice, which help and support vulnerable people in the community. It launched in 2003 with a simple purpose to support those in hardship with a utility debt.
The £150 Park Home Warm Home Discount scheme has been set up in partnership with E.on and is Ofgem approved and regulated - residents can apply through an online application process. Some £261,750 has been set aside specifically for Scottish static caravan residents who are not in direct contact with their energy supplier and pay for their gas and electricity directly to the site owners.
The scheme is set up in partnership with Eon and is Ofgem approved and regulated. Residents can apply through an online application process here.
Individual payments of £150 from the Warm Home Discount scheme are available to full-time static caravan residents who fulfil eligibility criteria.
The Angus MP said: “This cost of living crisis is devastating the finances of families and individuals, regardless of what accommodation they live in.
“Across Scotland, people who live in static caravans could access payments of £150 to help with energy costs. This support could be a crucial lifeline for so many, so I would encourage everyone who believes they may be eligible to apply as soon as possible, and before the end of February.”
The scheme officially closes at the end of March, however, Charis is asking for residents to make their applications as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out on the available funds.
There is only a finite amount of funds so once everything has been distributed it will be closed.
Charis’s business development director, Oliver Gray, said: “There is a sector of society that lives slightly off-grid and is not picked up by the usual systems but still meets the criteria required for financial and practical support.
“They might not be aware that they are eligible for a hardship grant and are putting themselves under unnecessary pressure despite help being out there.”
Who cannot apply for the additional £150 energy payment
This grant is not for those using:
- holiday park homes
- log cabins
- similar temporary forms of accommodation
More information for static caravan residents
A static caravan refers to a permanent residence in a pre-fabricated home that can be transported and sited in a dedicated caravan site.
They are connected to mains gas and electricity, but bills are paid directly to the site owners, so there is no direct relationship with energy providers.
Charis says that as a result, many residents are not aware they are eligible for the additional £150 payment.
Static caravan residents in Scotland can access the scheme on the Charis website here.
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