Warm Homes Discount Scheme Delays Leave Vulnerable People In The Cold

Vulnerable people are waiting too long for help with their heating bills through the Warm Homes Discount Scheme. Discounts of £140 are available to people on pensions credits and other benefits under the scheme, which is designed to help the poorest customers with higher electricity bills in winter. However, it has emerged that some providers are taking many weeks to process applications, leaving pre-payment customers who have to pay for their energy upfront in difficulties. Under the scheme, which is regulated by Ofgem, suppliers have until the end of March to make payments. To qualify, customers have to be with one of the bigger power firms, which have at least 250,000 customers. Read more on the Welfare Weekly website.

Social Landlord's Survey Reveals Tenants' Issues

One of England's biggest social landlords has revealed the results of a tenant survey that was designed to find out about the issues affecting residents' lives. Affinity Sutton says its findings offer key insights into the challenges tenants are facing. The report reveals that:

·         Internet access amongst tenants has increased from 69% in 2012 to 74% in 2013, still below the national figure of 83%.

·         72% of those in receipt of benefits (other than pensions) were unaware of the introduction of universal credit in 2012. In 2013 the figure fell to 38%.

·         43% of tenants used prepayment meters to pay for energy, the most expensive way to pay for energy, compared to 14% and 16% UK-wide for gas and electricity respectively.

Read more on 24dash.

Social Landlord's Survey Reveals Tenants' Issues

One of England's biggest social landlords has revealed the results of a tenant survey that was designed to find out about the issues affecting residents' lives. Affinity Sutton says its findings offer key insights into the challenges tenants are facing. The report reveals that:

·         Internet access amongst tenants has increased from 69% in 2012 to 74% in 2013, still below the national figure of 83%.

·         72% of those in receipt of benefits (other than pensions) were unaware of the introduction of universal credit in 2012. In 2013 the figure fell to 38%.

·         43% of tenants used prepayment meters to pay for energy, the most expensive way to pay for energy, compared to 14% and 16% UK-wide for gas and electricity respectively.

Read more on 24dash.