Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, welcomes launch of £400 energy bill support  website for households without a direct relationship to a domestic electricity supplier, such as residents of park homes, houseboats and wholly or partially funded care homes.

Thanks to the cap and direct packages of support, the Government is currently subsidising, on average, over 50% of energy bills for households.

Over £7.2 billion has been provided so far, via the Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS), to 97% of households across England, Scotland and Wales through monthly instalments totalling £400. This is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) which has placed a cap on wholesale gas and electricity since its implementation last year, and is set to remain in place until April 2024.

With the opening of the portal more than 900,000 households and customers who do not have a direct relationship to a domestic energy supplier can now apply for the £400 online or by phoning 0808 1753 287.

Dr Evans recently discussed the importance of the fund, saying “This system has been really tricky to set up due to the nature of how these residents get their energy. I am so pleased it is up and running and that people in park homes, care homes and houseboats - such as the residents at Trinity Marina in Hinckley - can now get the support that others have had.”

Eligible customers includes wholly or partially funded care home residents, homes on heat networks, residents of park homes, tenants in certain private and social rented homes and those living off-grid, such as houseboat residents.

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “The £400 energy bill grant has supported many households in our area throughout the winter months and I welcome the Government’s work to set up a secure portal for off-grid residents to ensure they can safely access the help available.

“Further support is also available to the 8 million most vulnerable households, with legislation passed through the House of Commons only this month ensuring £900 will be provided for those in most need.

“My office has already been in contact with park home and houseboat residents across our community, who have been eagerly awaiting this news, to let them know how to apply and I encourage anyone without a direct relationship to a domestic electricity supplier to make sure they can access this vital support.”

Amanda Solloway, Energy Security Minister and MP for Derby North, said “’I’m urging everyone who couldn’t get their EBSS discounts in the regular way to apply via our secure channels. If you don’t have a direct contract with an electricity supplier, it’s essential you submit your application as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner help can get to you.”