Recommendation 18

The Department said that the “biggest item of support” available to mitigate high energy prices this winter for vulnerable consumers, mainly those on benefits such as pension credit, is the Warm Home Discount scheme,47 which provides a £150 discount to eligible consumers.48 But certain vulnerable individuals like those with chronic conditions or disabilities that mean they are higher energy users are excluded from receiving this support because they are not included in the category of means–tested benefits.49 Written evidence we received from Sense showed that, on average, disabled households face energy bills 25% higher than non–disabled households; and, as of May 2024, 37% of disabled people on benefits were behind on energy bills.50 Consumer debt advice and support