Don't miss out on winter fuel scheme

Helen Morgan is urging families without a mains gas supply to make sure they have claimed the support they are eligible for from the Government. People who use oil, LPG and other alternative fuels to heat their home are eligible for £200 of support from the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme.

Most of these payments are being automatically credited to customer’s electricity bills, but people without a direct electricity supply must apply for the money and the online portal for applications only opened this week.

In Shropshire, more than 31,000 families live in off-grid homes and around 12,000 of these households are in Helen’s constituency of North Shropshire.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said, “Heating oil and gas are extremely expensive and many families across North Shropshire have had to suffer through a long and cold winter before getting any support.

“It’s disappointing the Government has waited until March to organise winter fuel payments but now the online portal is open it’s important nobody misses out on the money they are eligible for.

“I know many people have been frustrated by the eligibility rules and the payments being given as credits on electricity bills instead of cash and I have raised these points directly with the Government.

“The the rules regarding receipts that were blocking some applications have now been changed so hopefully the Government will also listen to our other points and ensure everyone in need is able to access the support.”

Helen has called on the Government to ensure narrowboat residents without a permanent mooring are able to access the £200 payment along with other off-grid households.

She has also urged the Government to give families the option of a bank transfer instead of electricity credit so that they are able to use the money to pay for the alternative fuel bills the scheme is designed for.

Liberal Democrats wanted the Government to implement a price cap on heating oil and LPG which would have provided support to families far faster than the delayed Alternative Fuel Payment scheme.

To find out more about the scheme and how to apply, please click here.