The Government has just released its response to the Warm Home Discount. The scheme, which will launch in April, will provide a rebate on the energy bills of key groups of fuel poor energy customers.
We had asked the Government to included people who are terminally ill and cancer patients living in fuel poverty in the scheme.
While we’re pleased the Government recognised the need for cancer patients on certain benefits to be targeted by energy providers, we are deeply disappointed that they have ignored calls for terminally ill cancer patients to automatically receive the rebate. It is incredible that the Government promised to protect the ‘poorest and most vulnerable in society’ and yet is unwilling to assign money to help people diagnosed with a terminal illness. The Government could have done this, with a cost of less than 4% of the total budget for the scheme.
We know that people with a terminal illness often do not apply for benefits they’re entitled to so unless they receive the support automatically, it is highly unlikely that they will benefit from the Warm Home Discount.
The Government must reconsider their plans and take action to end the misery of thousands of people with a terminal illness who are at home freezing but too scared to put the heating on because of rising energy bills.
If you want to support our campaign to freeze out fuel poverty for cancer patients please sign our woolly scarf petition.
