I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the support we have announced to help people with the cost of living and energy bills during these difficult times.
Earlier this Autumn, we announced emergency legislation to introduce The Energy Price Guarantee. As of 1st October, a typical household will not pay more than £2,500 per year for their energy bills, saving the average UK household at least £1000 a year. This will be delivered through a cap on unit prices – so every household will see their bills capped in proportion to their energy use.
In addition, the Government are providing a £400 discount for all energy billpayers, spread over six months. This discount will be automatically applied to bills by energy suppliers, from last month.
If you do not see this being applied to your bill, experience any difficulties or have any questions regarding support with energy bills, please do not hesitate to contact me.
We have also introduced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme to limit energy prices for businesses and public sector organisations (including schools and charities), and there will be equivalent support for those in park homes or using other fuels like oil or LPG.
These measures will be delivered in addition to the £37 billion package of support previously announced, which includes:
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The National Insurance increase to be reversed from 6 November, saving money for businesses and 28 million workers.
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Stamp duty will be cut immediately - nothing will be paid for first £250,000 of property's value, which is double the current amount.
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Two £300 cost of living support payments for 8 million of the most vulnerable families (around one-third of all in the UK).
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A £300 cost of living payment for pensioners, in addition to existing support like Winter Fuel Payments.
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A £150 disability cost of living payment for those on disability benefits, in addition to other support.
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We introduced a council tax rebate earlier this year, which will provide a payment of £150 to households living in council tax bands A – D, which is not to be paid back. Discretionary funding was put in place for those who may not have been eligible for the main rebate.
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Having previously doubled support for vulnerable families from £500 million to £1 billion through the Household Support Fund, we provided an additional £500 million to this fund for this coming Winter. Wiltshire Council will be responsible for allocating this funding.
I hope that the Energy Price Guarantee, in addition to the support previously announced, can offer some reassurance and certainty on energy prices and the cost of living, to help people through the Winter and beyond.
If you have any questions about what support is in place, or if you think you may be eligible to receive additional support, please do let me know.
I hold regular surgeries across the constituency, so if you would like to discuss energy bills, the cost of living, or another topic, do get in touch and I would be happy to book you in.
If you know of anyone who needs more immediate support, Wiltshire Council operate a crisis scheme. You can find out more about how to apply to this scheme by calling 0300 456 0110. Citizens Advice Wiltshire can also provide help and support locally for those who are struggling by calling 0800 144 88 48.
As ever, if there is anything I can do to help, or if you would like to speak to me at one of my regular advice surgeries, please do email me at: michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk or you can call my office on 01249 704465.
