Customers deemed as vulnerable could save £150 on energy bills between October and March 2023 with the government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme, which is offering a higher rebate than in previous years due to inflated costs of living.
Targeted at pensioners and low-income households, the government outlined it is prioritising those most in need this winter after energy bills have soared since February, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which caused gas prices to hike.
Previously, the rebate on energy bills was frozen at £140, but the government has chosen to raise it after nearly a decade.
While the scheme aims to help roughly 2.8mln customers, charities have argued that the scheme excludes up to 0.5mln households who were previously eligible.
Scope and National Energy Action (NEA) outlined that those on disability living allowance and personal independence payments have been excluded this year in a “shameful” move.
Adam Scorer,NEA CEO, said: "Removing a £150 rebate from these vulnerable groups is unwelcome and an unnecessary change to a vital programme - especially during an energy crisis."
This is despite an additional 750,000 people being able to qualify for the rebate, according to the government, due to being on housing benefits.