New Support Offered To Help With Rising Energy Bills

New support is being offered to help families in need across Harborough cope with rising energy bills.

Those on low incomes, who did not receive any support payments earlier this year, maybe eligible for a one-off payment of £150.

Harborough District Council has announced two support schemes, using government funding of just over £100,000.

A spokesperson said: “As part of its energy rebate scheme, the Government has provided councils with funding to operate a discretionary scheme for households in need who would not otherwise be eligible for a £150 Energy Rebate.

“This includes, for example, individuals on low incomes who live in properties valued in bands E to H and who did not qualify for a rebate earlier this year and occupiers of homes.”

The Council says it is a priority that every household entitled to a payment gets it as soon as possible.

Households may qualify under one of two available Energy Rebate groups:

The Discretionary Energy Rebate Group One aims to support households in bands E to H where the residents are in receipt of council tax support, carers allowance, have a disabled band relief or other vulnerability related exemption.

Payments to households who receive these benefits will be made automatically by the council, there is no need for households to apply to receive it.

Group one eligible households will be sent a Post Office letter which will enable them to go to any Post Office, with photo identification, and receive the cash.

Alternatively, Discretionary Energy Rebate Group Two may also provide a rebate to households who occupied a property on 1 April 2022. who were liable for rent and energy bills but not for paying council tax.

This is likely to apply to homes of multiple occupation including student accommodation amongst others, but unlike those eligible for the rebate as part of group one, householders who qualify as part of group two must apply to receive their rebate, payments will not be made automatically.

To apply visit www.harborough.gov.uk/discretionary-scheme

Applications must be made by 30 September 2022.