Energy Bill Discount

The new energy bill discount will replace the previously announced £200 discount on energy bills, which had a requirement that households repay the benefit. The chancellor also announced a £500 million increase for the Household Support Fund – delivered by Local Authorities. Local Authorities are extending it from October until March 2023. The cost of living statement also gave details on a ‘windfall tax’ on energy companies to pay for the measures.

The temporary levy will be a rate of 25% and is expected to raise around £5bn.

The news comes as energy bills could rise by a further £800 in the Autumn, according to energy regulator Ofcom, with the energy price cap predicted to increase up to £2,800 in October. The move would push 12 million homes into fuel poverty, the watchdog warned earlier this week.

Rishi Sunak said:

“We know that people are facing challenges with the cost of living and that is why today I’m stepping in with further support to help with rising energy bills. We have a collective responsibility to help those who are paying the highest price for the high inflation we face.

That is why I’m targeting this significant support to millions of the most vulnerable people in our society. I said we would stand by people and that is what this support does today.It is also right that those companies making extraordinary profits on the back of record global oil and gas prices contribute towards this. That is why I’m introducing a temporary Energy Profits Levy to help pay for this unprecedented support in a way that promotes investment.”

For more information, check out the gov.uk website.

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