Theo Clarke MP for Stafford is committed to supporting people across Staffordshire and she understands that some of her constituents may be concerned about the rising cost of living. Ms Clarke welcomes the wide range of support that has already been unveiled to support people across Staffordshire including the Energy Bills Support Scheme, the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment and the Cost of Living Payment. For further information on the support that may be available to you please click here.
Support with Energy Bills:
Government:
In May 2022, the Government announced £15 billion of support in the Energy Bill Rebate Package. Please see some of the measures listed below:
- Energy Bill Discount - £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from this October. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023 to help households through winter.
- Cost of Living Payment - Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year. This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in summer and another in the autumn, and is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills.
- Disability Cost of Living Payment - Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport. This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
- Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills. This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
For further information on the Government’s measures to support with energy bills please click here.
Energy Companies:
Many suppliers are also providing a variety of support to help people struggling with energy bills.
Further support from other organisations:
- Citizens Advice can assist people with a wide range of matters from financial advice to smart ways to reduce their cost of living.
- Money Helper is a service which provides an extensive guide on money managing strategies and their guide contains budgeting tips for dealing with the energy price increase.
- Other Services which may be able to support people who are struggling include the Money Advice Service, National Debtline and StepChange Debt Charity
