UK Government ‘lifeline’ as 100,000 Scots homes get £150 off energy bills

The UK Government said it is providing a “vital lifeline” for Scots, with more than 100,000 households north of the border to get £150 off their energy bills.

Confirmation of the money off is being sent out this week, after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last year expanded the Warm Home Discount scheme to help a further 2.7 million families across the UK.

The Labour leader hailed the move as providing a “cash injection” which will “help people manage their bills while we fix the rusting energy system we inherited”.

More than six million households across Scotland, England and Wales will receive help, with those in receipt of the Pension Credit Guarantee Credit – which tops up the income of people over state pension age to a guaranteed minimum level – eligible for it automatically.

While the “vast majority” will get the discount automatically, some people may need to provide extra information to ensure they get the Warm Home Discount – with letters to this group advising them to call a helpline number, with an electricity bill or statement so they can confirm the bill payer’s name and account number.

Meanwhile, those in receipt of other means tested benefits are being urged to contact their energy supplier to find out how they can apply for the discount.

The UK Government’s minister for energy consumers, Martin McCluskey, the MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West, said: “As temperatures drop across Scotland, people are starting to turn their heating on and it’s essential that people are able to keep warm this winter.

“We are making sure more of those who need it most get £150 off their energy bills this winter – a vital lifeline for Scots as the evenings draw in.”

He added: “In the coming months we will also set out our warm homes plan to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to up to five million homes across the UK.”

Meanwhile, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Letters will be dropping on doormats across Scotland this week, containing welcome news for hundreds of thousands of families.

“This Government is determined to tackle energy affordability for families, and this winter more people will be helped as a result.

“I would urge anyone who doesn’t automatically qualify for the discount to get in touch with their supplier, so they get the money they are entitled to.”

Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, however said that while the Warm Home Discount “provides vital support for people who are eligible”, this was “paid for via everyone’s energy bills”.

He stated: “We urged the UK Government to fund this increase through general taxation as a more progressive way of providing support for people in fuel poverty, but sadly they kept the cost on bills.

“The value of the Warm Home Discount has also not changed in years, while energy prices have surged and average bills remain hundreds of pounds a year more than in winter 2020-21.

“What’s also vital is that households watch out for scam text messages claiming to be from the Government.

“If people don’t get a letter, but think they might be eligible, we would urge them to contact the Government helpline, their energy supplier or a trusted advice charity for support. Do not click on links in unexpected text messages.”