Coalition comments on new Winter Household Support Fund

The Government has announced an emergency Winter Household Support Fund to be delivered via local authorities.

However, a spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:

This panic response to negative headlines about rising levels of fuel poverty is a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed.

The fund has the potential to provide some short-term relief. But it is no replacement for a comprehensive investment and spending plan to end this winter’s fuel poverty crisis and improve the energy efficiency of our homes in the long-term.

Coalition members National Energy Action have called on the Government for comprehensive emergency provision to help fuel poor households to stay warm at home this winter, including:

  1. Providing additional funding towards the Warm Home Discount scheme this winter as an emergency provision to guard against significantly increased gas prices
  2. Supporting more households with the Winter Fuel Payment, especially for those eligible for the Cold Weather Payment in Northern Ireland
  3. Helping accelerate the repayment of utility debts across the UK by enhancing Fuel and Water Direct
  4. Continuing the Winter Grant Scheme through this winter

Additionally, through the Spending Review, it is proposed that the following longer-term actions to ensure that fuel poor households can be warm at home for years to come:

  1. Fully implement the Conservative Manifesto for the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUG) and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)
  2. Ensure the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) helps end cold homes across the UK
  3. Extend and strengthen the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit for low-income households.