On April 1st 2022, there will be an increase to the Government price cap on most people’s energy bills. This means energy bills will rise by a massive 54%. That means that a bill of £100 per month would become £154 per month. We’ve put together some useful information how you can get help towards these higher costs.
Government Help
The Government has announced a package of support known as the Energy Bills Rebate to help households with rising energy bills. This includes:
- A £200 ‘discount’ on their energy bill, paid this autumn, for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain. This ‘discount’ is actually a compulsory loan from the Government and will be paid back through an increase to your energy bills over the next 5 years.
- A £150 non-repayable rebate for households in England in council tax bands A to D, known as the Council Tax Rebate. However, only households who pay their council tax by direct debit will get the council tax rebate. People who pay their council tax by cheque or in cash (mostly pensioners) will not get it. The government is urging people in England to pay their council tax by direct debit if they do not do so already.
- £144 million of discretionary funding for local authorities to support households who are in need but are not eligible for the Council Tax Rebate. This is called the Discretionary Fund.
If you live in Buckinghamshire, you can find out more information on the council tax rebate at this link. But please make sure you set up the Direct Debit as soon as possible. https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/council-tax/money-off-your-council-tax/council-tax-energy-rebate/
Help With Budgeting And Budgets
Citizens Advice can give you free independent advice if you’re struggling to pay your bills or have money difficulties. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/get-help-with-bills/
Other Buckinghamshire Help
If you are in financial difficulty or worried about the cost of rising bills and you live in Buckinghamshire, you can seek support through Buckinghamshire Council’s Helping Hands scheme. Helping Hands may be able to support you with food, grants and other practical support. You can ring them on 01296 395000 or visit: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/housing-and-benefits/support-with-food-bills-and-finances/
We Are Also Here To Help!
BuDS can help you by answering questions, providing information, helping you find practical support or help in a crisis or being a friendly voice if you’re lonely or isolated. If you’d like any help or support from us, message us through social media, e-mail buds-support@buds.org.uk or leave us a voicemail on 01494 211179. We’ll do our very best to help you.