Almost half of the Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers remain unclaimed in certain parts of London, and time is running out as the deadline for claiming them approaches.
This scheme offers a £400 discount to any household with an electricity supply in England, Scotland, and Wales.
However, many individuals who use prepayment meters, often the most vulnerable households, have not received the government-issued discount, which was distributed between October 2022 and March 2023.
The discount was automatically provided to those paying through direct debit, with six installments sent each month during the winter.
In the constituencies of the Cities of London and Westminster, as well as Hampstead and Kilburn, 44 percent of vouchers remain unclaimed. Similarly, in Brent Central, 39 percent of vouchers have not been claimed.
Simon Francis, the coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “Far too often, support payments under this scheme have failed to reach vulnerable households.
“There is now less than a week remaining before this support will be lost forever. If anyone believes they have missed out on Energy Bills Support Scheme payments, they should contact their energy provider immediately.”
As of the end of March, when the scheme was scheduled to conclude, London had over 650,000 unclaimed vouchers.
The following councils have the highest rates of unclaimed vouchers:
Cities of London and Westminster – 44%
Hampstead and Kilburn – 44%
Ealing Central and Acton – 41%
Brent Central – 39%
Finchley and Golders Green – 39%
Glasgow Central – 38%
Hendon – 36%
Westminster North – 35%
Chelsea and Fulham – 35%
Hornsey and Wood Green – 35%
Brighton Pavilion – 34%
Holborn and St Pancras – 32%
Greenwich and Woolwich – 31%
Ealing North – 31%
Ilford North – 30%
The deadline for claiming these vouchers is June 30th.
It is crucial for eligible households in the aforementioned areas to act promptly and ensure they receive the support they are entitled to under the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
“Far too often, support payments under this scheme have failed to reach vulnerable households.”
“Far too often, support payments under this scheme have failed to reach vulnerable households.”
Simon Francis
Coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition
About The Author
