CAP has responded the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s consultation, which explores the future of the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Key points:
CAP welcomes the continuation of the scheme, but encourages the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to engage with other departments to ensure this is part of a cross-governmental strategy for tackling poverty in the UK.
£150, although welcome, does not go far enough to provide the level of help needed for people in poverty across the UK. This scheme would have the maximum impact if it formed part of a wider approach, going alongside further holistic support and wider systemic change.
CAP welcomes the use of auto-enrolment for this scheme, particularly the proposal set out in option three, to help ensure that people who are entitled to the support receive the support they are entitled to. But CAP recommends that this goes alongside a manual option to help catch those who may fall through the automation process.
CAP encourages the department to explore the option for expert support providers, such as debt advisors, to be able to make an application on a client’s behalf for mitigating circumstances to enable them to access this scheme.
CAP welcomes the availability of a helpline for those who face digital exclusion and accessibility challenges.
CAP sees the value of the Industry Initiatives, and would encourage this to be mandatory for suppliers in Scotland going forward, but this must never be used to justify a reduction in the scheme as a whole.
CAP would recommend that Ofgem be given responsibility for governance and monitoring the effectiveness of this scheme.
