An estimated 5.5 million UK adults are behind on their energy bills
Charities have called for a “help to repay” scheme for energy bills as millions of households struggle to clear arrears. , according to a survey for the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline and Business Debtline.
As a result of the research, the Money Advice Trust, StepChange Debt Charity, National Energy Action, Scope and 10 other organisations have written to Energy Secretary Grant Shapps to call for a dedicated Government “help to repay” scheme for energy arrears, to provide repayment matching and the option to write off debts for people dealing with unaffordable arrears.
“The help to repay payment-matching scheme we are proposing will help those who otherwise will simply not be able to dig themselves out of the energy arrears that this crisis has created. And for those most in need, the Government should introduce an essentials guarantee to link the rate of universal credit to cover the cost of essential goods like food and energy.”
“Rather than end the windfall tax early, as the Government plans to do, it should instead look at how this could be used to help get those people suffering back on an even keel.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Five PIP need-to-knows for every person making a new claim this summerDWP has released four new PIP videos on YouTube to help new claimants.
Read more »
Leeds hospital upgrades planned to tackle operations backlogPlans include new facilities for Leeds hospitals which would help cut the operations waiting list.
Read more »
An Acidic New Comedy About a Kink Enthusiast in New YorkThe director, writer and star of The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed – a deadpan comedy about kink – talks about the misconceptions around BDSM
Read more »
Victoria Coren Mitchell Starts Beef With The New York Times Over Its New Word GameThe Only Connect host notes the US newspaper's Connections is 'so similar' to a round on the long-running BBC show.
Read more »
Fire crews help Much Wenlock residents in flash floodsThe homes of several elderly people are hit by floodwater during storms, the fire service says.
Read more »
Light aircraft crashes into sea near Wales as lifeboats scramble to help pilotA light aircraft has crashed into the sea near Bridgend in South Wales, triggering a rescue operation.
Read more »