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- September 14, 2022
- Building, Real-estate
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- 01 Min
It’s no secret that energy bills have surged this year and are expected to rise again in October and 2023, with the current average cost for an average home at around £1,971 per year. The cap was set to increase by 80% from 1 October, affecting 24 million people. However, the UK Government has stepped in and frozen typical energy bills at £2,500 from October for the next two years. This is still a significant increase from previous years, but there is help available to alleviate the price hikes.
One such scheme is the Energy Bills Support Scheme, which automatically applies a reduction in energy bills from October 2022. This relief amounts to £66 per month for October and November and then £67 per month from December to March 2023, resulting in a total reduction of £400 over six months. Direct debit customers will see their payments reduced accordingly, while other payment types will receive a credit on their accounts or pre-payment meters.
Another option is the Council Tax Rebate, which gives homeowners living in properties rated A-D for council tax a £150 rebate on their 2022 council tax bills. Eligible direct debit payers will receive the rebate automatically, while those who pay in other ways will be contacted by the council with details on how the rebate will be paid.
Low-income households can also receive a one-off payment totalling £650 through a government-funded scheme. The first payment of £326 was made in July 2022, with the remainder to be paid in the Autumn. To qualify for this scheme, households must be claiming one or more of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Pension Credit.
While these schemes are government-funded, some energy suppliers may also offer help with the cost increases. It’s worth contacting your supplier to see what assistance they can provide. The rising cost of living is a concern, but this government help can provide some much-needed relief for those struggling.
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