Warm home discount extended to help more households

The Labour Government has extended the Warm Home Discount meaning more families in Blackpool will now get £150 off their energy bills this winter. Letters telling people about their eligibility should be arriving over the next few days. Please look out for yours and if you don’t get one, but you receive a means tested benefit, contact your energy supplier and check your eligibility. I want you to get the support you are entitled to.

The government’s expansion of the warm homes discount means around 280,000 extra households in the North West will now receive this boost over the most difficult time of the year. Across Britain, one in five families will now get this support – and a total 780,000 households in our region.

I know how tight things are for households in Blackpool. Energy bills are sky high and wages have not kept up. Many of you have told me about the difficult choices you have to make – like heating one room, skipping meals or putting off paying bills. This is not about people failing to manage. It is a cost of living crisis that has hit our town hard. The discount won’t fix that but it will take some pressure off when it is most needed.

If you receive Pension Credit the discount should be applied automatically. Some households will get a letter explaining that they need to provide a few details. Have your electricity bill or account number ready when you call the helpline. If you receive another means tested benefit, you may be included.

If you are unsure, contact your supplier and find out if you are entitled or find out more here.