
Bradford’s Warm Homes Healthy People partnership is urging individuals and families to check to see if they eligible for The Warm Home Discount available from many energy companies this winter.
Bradford’s Warm Homes Healthy People partnership is urging individuals and families to check to see if they eligible for The Warm Home Discount available from many energy companies this winter.
Sixteen of the biggest electricity companies offer the £140 discount to low income families and individuals and eligible families and individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so they don’t miss out.
The companies have a fixed pot of money and if people meet their criteria, they pay the discount before the end of May to individuals who apply, on a first come first served basis. This discount is in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather payments which are paid by the government.
Customers can either apply online through their electricity supplier or call the supplier up and ask if they are eligible.
Councillor Val Slater, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and portfolio holder for health and wellbeing said: ”People are in fuel poverty when they feel they can’t afford to heat their home due to the cost and £140 can make a really difference to households over the winter months."
“Keeping your home warm to at least 18 C is essential to being able to stay healthy over the winter particularly if you have young children or a health issue”
Any pensioner on guaranteed pension credit should be paid the Warm Home Discount automatically. Anyone else on a low income (earning less than £16,190 a year), pensionable age or those with children under 5 or living with a long term disability or health issues can apply for the £140.