Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted in Part
Communication failures hampered support scheme reach to vulnerable households in need
Recommendation
Although the Department worked with local authorities on some of the schemes aimed at households who were harder to reach,44 the low take–up suggests that this approach did not identify all those in need.45 The Department said that it attempted to use intermediaries such as social landlords, providing funds directly to landlords with a requirement to pass them on to tenants. However, the Department acknowledged that it “did not track the right people,” and there were “places where communication did not work”, adding that “absolutely, there were lessons to learn” in how it can do this.46
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to consider better targeting of bill support schemes, including during energy crises, and is working with other departments and stakeholders to improve data use and effectiveness of support, aiming to reach a further 2.7 million households through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2025 3.2 The Warm Home Discount scheme currently supports over 3 million low income and fuel poor households with an annual energy bills rebate of £150. The government has consulted on expanding eligibility in England and Wales to all households where the bill payer (or their partner or nominee) is in receipt of means tested benefits, with a proportionate increase in the funding available through the Scottish scheme. Under the expansion, it is estimated that 1.6 million fuel poor households across Great Britain would receive the rebate, representing an increase of around 500,000 compared to the current scheme. In total the expansion of the scheme is estimated to reach a further 2.7 million households. 3.3 The department is considering options for better targeting of bill support schemes, including in the event of a future energy crisis. DESNZ is working closely with other government departments to unlock the data that will enable targeting support more effectively to those who need help with their energy bills. The department is working with relevant stakeholders, including advocacy charities, to inform this work. Ministers regularly meet with a range of stakeholders to discuss fuel poverty strategy, and this has included the National Housing Federation.