The Government has confirmed today that the Warm Home Discount scheme will be extended for a year.

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme currently provides a payment of £140 towards energy bills, a rebate that helps millions to heat their homes.

Fair By Design, in partnership with National Energy Action (NEA), campaigned with allies to extend and expand the scheme, which was due to end in March 2021.

Carl Packman, Head of Corporate Engagement at Fair By Design said:

“As we head into the winter months, it’s so important to be able to heat our homes to a safe level. Unfortunately too many people need to make the unenviable decision to either heat or eat, and that isn’t fair. That is why schemes like the Warm Home Discount are so important. This rebate helps households that struggle to keep warm.”

While securing the immediate future of the Warm Home Discount is welcome, many consumers are not aware of the scheme or their eligibility and how to apply. Not all suppliers have to offer it, and for those that can apply, there is a risk of being turned down because of the scheme’s limited budget. As a result, nearly two million working age households could already be missing out.

For that reason, Fair By Design & NEA continue to call for:

  • The expansion of the scheme, using data matching powers to auto-enrol all eligible low income working age households to receive the rebate, without needing to apply each year to their supplier.
  • Ofgem to ensure the WHD is better designed i.e. ensure that more customers know about it and there are more channels to apply for it via Industry Initiatives.
  • The UK Government to ensure smaller suppliers are also required to provide all elements of the WHD.

Read Fair By Design and NEA’s report “Keeping Britain Warm and Well” here.

The government’s consultation document is here.