Friday November 18th 2022
Midlothian MP Owen Thompson is urging households with traditional prepayment meters to redeem home energy vouchers immediately, amid fears that the numbers being processed remain far too low.
The vouchers form part of the £400 energy bill rebate from the UK Government, paid via a monthly discount between early October and March 2023. The discount should be provided automatically for those paying bills by direct debits or via smart meter technology, while some on traditional pre-payment meters should receive vouchers which must be redeemed within 90 days.
Reports from the Post Office, one of the main points to redeem the vouchers, and PayPoint, which processes payments, suggest uptake across the UK has been around 50 per cent below predicted levels.
Mr Thompson said
“It is worrying that during a cost-of-living crisis, hundreds of thousands of vouchers to help cover the cost of energy have yet to be redeemed.
“I would urge everyone in Midlothian with a pre-payment meter to check they have received the help and make sure they redeem the vouchers straight away.
“This will provide a vital boost during the winter so it’s crucial that no household misses out on the money they are due.
“If anyone thinks they have not received this support they should speak to their energy suppliers. Midlothian residents are also welcome to contact my office where my staff stand ready to help.”
More information on available grants and benefits to help pay energy bills is available from Citizens Advice Scotland.
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