A new campaign, Worried this winter? Let’s chat, has launched today to raise awareness of the support available to anyone concerned about their energy bills.
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) worked with five CABs across Scotland to run local focus groups and get to the heart of the issues being experienced across Scottish communities this winter.
From feelings of embarrassment and anxiety to dread and misery, the picture was clear: more needs to be done to support communities worried about the cost of energy this winter.
That’s why CAS is launching this campaign to raise awareness of the free and confidential support CABs can offer anyone concerned about keeping the heating on.
To launch the campaign, CAS worked with Scottish poet Kevin McLean to create a poem based on the experiences of households with energy debt. With a focus on the emotions and feelings experienced, the poem will be used to encourage more people to get advice whether they are currently in debt or struggling to keep up with payments.
This campaign will run from today until the end of February 2025.
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “As energy costs continue to soar, thousands of people across Scotland are worried about how they can afford to keep their lights on and heat their homes this winter.
“Seeking support on energy debt is one of the most common reasons people walk through their local CAB doors. But taking that step can be daunting. Many are worried and anxious about what can be done and are being forced to self-ration heat, live in cold and dark homes, and skip meals just so they can feed their children. This simply isn’t good enough.
“This campaign is just a small step towards breaking down the barriers to support and highlight the stark reality many people face this winter. If this is you or someone you know, please know the Citizens Advice network is here to help. While we are known for the advice we give, CAS also has a responsibility to raise awareness and advocate for change, and we’ll do all we can to ensure a fairer Scotland for all.”
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland, Sam Ghibaldan, said: “With ongoing affordability and debt challenges facing consumers, in addition to rising energy bills over the winter, this campaign comes at a crucial time for households across Scotland.
“Consumer Scotland’s research demonstrates that many consumers are continuing to struggle with energy costs, particularly those on low incomes or with high essential energy needs, so it is vital consumers know help and support is available.
“We are pleased to support the Worried this Winter campaign to ensure consumers have access to a range of free and confidential information, including advice on their energy bills and the financial support available.”
The poem can be viewed in the new campaign video here:
FREE POP-UP DROP-IN EVENTS AT WESTER HAILES POST OFFICE
More than 30 per cent of Scots struggling with their energy bills have never asked for help, new research has revealed.
A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), has found 42 per cent have difficulty managing their energy bills, but 31 per cent have never sought assistance – whether that is by turning to loved ones or seeking professional advice.
It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and local community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events across the UK this winter.
The pop-up events offer 1-2-1 confidential practical support from trained specialists about budget planning, energy debt advice and energy efficiency measures, as well as help with accessing energy debt write-off grants including The Trust’s Individual and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund.
The next pop-up events are taking place in Edinburgh and Glasgow on the following dates:
Wester Hails Post Office – 12th,13th,19th, 20th, 26th and 27th of November (between 11am – 2pm each day).
Springburn Way Post Office – 3rd,4th,10 and 11th of December, and 14th, 15th,21st and 22nd January 2025 (between 11am – 2pm each day).
When it came to the reasons why Scots don’t seek support, almost half (40 per cent), thought they wouldn’t qualify, a third (34 per cent) cited stigma or embarrassment and a quarter (26 per cent) said that there’s a lack of information.
A fifth believe there isn’t enough energy advice support out there. And almost a third (31 per cent) are worried about how they are going to keep on top of things this winter.
Abi Robins, Director of Responsible Business at British Gas, said: “We know the colder months can be tough on a lot of people and there isn’t always advice readily available.
“Our British Gas advisors will be on hand to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges and access the range of support we offer – not only for our customers but also people who use other energy suppliers.
“The pop-ups are just one part of how we are supporting customers this winter. Grants, fund money and energy advice services are available through the Trust – with donations from British Gas topping £200m since 2004 – as well as providing direct support to struggling customers with matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit.”
The study also found rising costs, difficulty managing finances, and fear of disconnection were among the main concerns when it comes to paying energy bills this winter.
When speaking to someone about getting support, 21 per cent would want a face-to-face conversation. But 33 per cent admit they find it difficult to talk about the struggles they face when paying their energy bills.
Of those who have previously got help, 31 per cent used energy provider payment plans, 29 per cent turned to friends or family, 25 per cent used Government schemes, and 21 per cent sought financial advice or counselling.
Over 50 per cent of all respondents think there should be more support programmes to help people managing rising energy costs.
Jessica Taplin, chief executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know some consumers really want face to face advice, so these pop-ups are just one way we’re helping those already struggling with rising living costs this winter.
“These pop-ups, hosted at post offices across the country, provide free, confidential advice directly to communities to help individuals navigate energy and financial challenges this winter.
“We offer energy debt write-off grants through our Individuals and Families Fund, and Energy Support Fund, both open now, to households facing fuel poverty, among other criteria.
“We’d encourage anyone needing support to come along and find out more at their local pop up.”
Since the partnership between British Gas Energy Trust and the Post Office was established in 2022, there have been 178 in-person pop-ups in 95 locations from Saint Leonards-on-Sea to the Scottish Isles.
Thousands of people have been provided with step-by-step money and energy advice, checking benefits entitlement, and providing energy saving tips as well as follow up appointments for more in depth conversations.
Simon Lambert, Commercial and Operations Director at Post Office, said: “Every week, more than a million energy customers visit our branches to pay bills or top up.
“These pop-ups – held in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Leeds, Newport and Stockport – are a fantastic way to connect customers with the additional support they may need this winter.”
Additional support available through British Gas Energy Trust includes the Individuals and Families Fund, which is available to British Gas and non-British Gas customers, with grant payments of up to £1,700 available to households in England, Scotland and Wales. This fund is open to applications now.
Additionally, the British Gas Energy Support Fund is available to British Gas customers only who have debts of £250 to £2,000 on their energy account. This fund opened to applications on 4th November.
Nearly £5 billion of support has been paid to help households with their energy bills this winter
Over £4 billion was paid to pensioners between November and March through the Winter Fuel Payment and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
An estimated £550 million has been spent this winter as part of the Warm Home Discount to support three million households
Over 1.1 million £25 Cold Weather Payments have been made to households in England and Wales
Halving inflation has ensured everyone’s money goes further, however we remain committed to supporting households across the country with 11.8 million pensioners receiving up to £600 in Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments.
On top of this, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today estimated over 1.1 million Cold Weather Payments worth £29.6 million were paid out from November until the end of March – with over £9 million of this going to low-income pensioners receiving Pension Credit.
Further support was also made available through the Warm Home Discount – to support three million households at risk of fuel poverty, allowing families to keep costs down and more money in their pockets. The Government expects partnered energy suppliers to have spent around £550 million this winter across Great Britain, through direct bill rebates as well other financial and energy efficiency support.
This support was needed to protect everyday Brits from the inflationary impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine – helping millions of people get through the winter. Now – with energy bills dropping, wages rising, and taxes being slashed – people are set to have more cash in their pocket to help fire up the economy and beckon in more growth.
We have turned a corner after the shocks of the past few years, and we are in a new economic moment and 2024 will prove to be the year that the economy bounces back.
Minister for Pensions, Paul Maynard said: “This Government’s actions have provided vital support to pensioners most in need.
“Halving inflation has helped everyone’s finances, and we remain committed to protecting our older loved ones across the country, with 11.8 million pensioners receiving up to £600 in Winter Fuel and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments.
“And we are uprating the State Pension further from next week, meaning the full yearly basic State Pension will be £3,700 higher than in 2010, whilst the full rate of the New State Pension will rise above £11,500 a year.”
From this week people will start to see an increase in their Local Housing Allowance rates – benefitting some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit who will gain around £800 a year on average. This puts more money in the pockets of the lowest earners – giving them more spending power to boost their local economy.
The UK Government is delivering £108 billion of support over 2022-2025 – worth an average £3,800 per household – and will continue to drive down inflation to help everyone’s money go further.
These measures are boosted in April with Universal Credit and other benefits rising in line with inflation by 6.7 percent, and the State Pension increasing by an inflation-busting 8.5 percent – making sure that targeted support is going to those who need it most.
Energy regulator Ofgem has today (Friday 23 February, 2024) announced a significant reduction of the energy price cap for the second quarter of 2024.
The price cap, which sets a maximum rate per unit that can be charged to customers for their energy use, will fall by 12.3% on the previous quarter from 1 April to 30 June 2024. For an average household paying by direct debit for dual fuel this equates to £1,690, a drop of £238 over the course of a year – saving around £20 a month.
This will see energy prices reach their lowest level since Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine in February 2022 caused a further spike in an already turbulent wholesale energy market, driving up costs for suppliers and ultimately customers.
However, despite reaching this welcome milestone, Ofgem recognises that the cost of living remains high and many customers continue to struggle with their bills as standing charges rise and energy debt reaches a record figure of £3.1 billion.
Therefore, today Ofgem is also announcing:
Confirmation of the levelisation of standing charges to remove the ‘PPM premium’ previously incurred by prepayment customers.
A decision to allow a temporary adjustment to the price cap to address supplier costs related to increased levels of bad debt.
A decision to extend the ban on acquisition-only tariffs (BAT) for up to another 12 months.
Confirmation of the end of the Market Stabilisation Charge (MSC) from April 1.
A decision not to change wholesale cost allowances following a review conducted in late 2023.
Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, said:“This is good news to see the price cap drop to its lowest level in more than two years – and to see energy bills for the average household drop by £690 since the peak of the crisis – but there are still big issues that we must tackle head-on to ensure we build a system that’s more resilient for the long term and fairer to customers.
“That’s why we are levelising standing charges to end the inequity of people with prepayment meters, many of whom are vulnerable and struggling, being charged more up-front for their energy than other customers.
“We also need to address the risk posed by stubbornly high levels of debt in the system, so we must introduce a temporary payment to help prevent an unsustainable situation leading to higher bills in the future. We’llbe stepping back to look at issues surrounding debt and affordability across market for struggling consumers, which we’ll be announcing soon.
“These steps highlight the limitations of the current system – we can only move costs around – so we welcome news that the Government is opening the conversation on the future of price regulation, seeking views on how standard energy deals can be made more flexible so customers pay less if using electricity when prices are lower.
“But longer term we need to think about what more can be done for those who simply cannot afford to pay their energy bills even as prices fall. As we return to something closer to normality we have an opportunity to reset and reframe the energy market to make sure it’s ready to protect customers if prices rise again.”
Affordability remains the most significant issue, as people continue to struggle with bills over the last two years, which has led to record levels of energy debt.
To address this challenge in the short-term, Ofgem will allow a temporary additional payment of £28 per year (equivalent to £2.33 per month) to make sure suppliers have sufficient funds to support customers who are struggling.
This will be added to the bills of customers who pay by direct debit or standard credit and is partly offset by the termination of an allowance worth £11 per year that covered debt costs related to the Covid pandemic.
Prepayment meter (PPM) customers will not be impacted by the extra charge, reflecting the fact that many do not build up the same level of debt as credit customers because they top up as they go.
Ofgem also confirmed plans to maintain the equalisation of standing charges across payment methods so that customers are not charged more depending on the payment method they use.
Since October 2022 the so-called ‘PPM premium’ was removed by government support via the Energy Price Guarantee. However, with that support coming to an end on April 1, Ofgem has taken steps to provide a lasting solution, which must be funded by bill payers rather than tax payers, to maintain fairness in the system.
This means PPM customers will save around £49 per year while direct debit customers will pay £10 per year more.
Increasing network costs has also contributed to the rise in standing charges – and in anticipation of this we published a call for input in November 2023 and are currently reviewing more than 40,000 responses.
Today Ofgem is also publishing a decision to extend the ban on acquisition-only tariffs (BAT) for another 12 months, but intends to open a consultation to consider shortening this extension to just six months.
The BAT was introduced in April 2022 to provide more stability at the height of the energy crisis, removing often risky short-term discounted tariffs intended to attract customers from other suppliers.
As competition returns to the market, Ofgem is encouraging rising numbers of customers switching with a number of measures, including shortening the time suppliers are given to complete a customer transfer from 15 days to just five.
Additionally, from 1 April, the Market Stabilisation Charge – introduced in tandem with the BAT – will come to an end, meaning suppliers are no longer required to compensate a new customer’s previous supplier when they switch.
This influenced the regulator’s decision to temporarily extend the BAT rather than remove both safeguards at the same time, ensuring a phased and responsible return towards normality in the market while preventing a return of the risky behaviours which contributed to the high number of supplier failures during the energy crisis.
Ofgem is also publishing a decision following its wholesale adjustment review. Following unusually high volatility in wholesale prices between October 2022 and September 2023, the regulator examined whether suppliers experienced differences between wholesale costs and the allowances they were allowed to recover via the price cap.
However, after careful consideration the regulator has concluded to take no further action as wholesale costs did not systematically differ from allowances.
Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to today’s announcement by Ofgem, setting the energy price cap at £1,690.
The charity is stressing that even though prices are coming down they are still way too high for many households.
CAS Social Justice spokesperson Matthew Lee said:“Today’s announcement has to be seen in the context of peoples’ incomes and how badly households have been battered by the cost-of-living crisis of the past 18 months.
“Even if prices are coming down they are still way too high for many people to be able to afford, particularly the many who have had to go into debt to cover their energy costs since the price surge in 2022.
“It’s important that we don’t become complacent about the lower cap. The fact is that too many people are still struggling to pay these bills, and more targeted financial support like a social tariff is needed for the most vulnerable households.”
Previous CAS research on energy affordability has found that:
Nearly 3 million people report switching the heating off when it’s cold, wrapping themselves in blankets and extra layers instead.
1.4 million people regularly sit in the dark, with no TV or laptop/tablet on, to save on energy bills.
Nearly 3 million people in Scotland have cut back on food as a result of rising energy bills.
Tens of thousands of people in Scotland have been forced onto pay as you go energy meters against their will.
Over 300,000 people say they are concerned about energy debt.
In December the average energy debt for people seeking complex debt advice was £2,307 – up nearly £500 compared to the same time last year.
185,000 people say they have changed their bathing habits to save on hot water – they’re sharing bathwater or showering at work or at the gym.
Following concerns raised by the advocacy group Energy Action Scotland over the number of households with pre-payment meters who have not claimed their voucher entitlement from the UK Energy Bill Support Scheme that ended in March 2023, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack is urging people in Edinburgh to redeem their vouchers before they expire on 30th June 2023.
In Edinburgh, 34 per cent of vouchers have yet to be claimed, with the approximate value of the unclaimed support in Edinburgh being at around £1,374,120.
Households with non-smart (traditional) prepayment meter need to actively redeem the vouchers that have been sent by post, text or email.
Once the voucher from the energy supplier is received, people will need to take it to a Post Office or PayPoint shop to add it to the gas or electricity top-up key or card.
Commenting Sarah Boyack MSP said: “If you live in a household with older, non-digital pre-payment meters, you have been issued with vouchers by post, text or email to support you with the rising energy costs.
“These vouchers are valid for 90 days and expired or lost vouchers can be re-issued through the energy supplier.
“However, all vouchers expire on 30th June when the scheme ends.
“If you are entitled to energy vouchers, now is time to redeem them. They may not resolve the cost of living crisis, but during these hard time, we need all support we can get.”
New data reveals that Edinburgh North and Leith residents would be able to save an estimated average of £1,294 through Government-funded home insulation and heat pump installation
On weekends throughout February and March, Greenpeace Edinburgh spoke to people in Edinburgh about their energy bills, and the solutions to the cost of living and climate crisis.
Residents wrote eight messages to Deirdre Brock, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, about their worries. These messages will be delivered next week, as part of the Warm This Winter mass lobby.
Local people also used the Affordable Energy Calculator [1] to see how much money they would save on their energy bills if our homes were well insulated and had cheaper, cleaner energy.
Carrie from Newhaven wrote: ‘Help to combat energy costs has helped but costs are still too high. Funding for new home-owners to help insulate windows is needed.’
Mark, a resident in North Edinburgh, wrote: ‘It would be great to see someone in the government stand up for lower energy bills and preparing homes for becoming sustainable and economical to maintain.’
Another local, Ros, wrote: ‘We need to prioritise those who need help during this time and make the cost of living crisis a lot more manageable than it currently is.’
Ian, a volunteer from Leith said: ‘The messages that people in Edinburgh North and Leith have written to Deirdre Brock MP show how people are still having to choose between heating and eating.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. We need the Government to commit more money for home insulation and heat pumps to make our homes warmer, our bills cheaper and our carbon emissions lower.’
Keeping the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 per month rather than raising it to £3000 is welcome but 7.5 million households in the UK will continue to be in fuel poverty from 1st April. If the Government makes the investment necessary to meet their currently unfunded 2030 targets for insulation, and support a UK heat pump programme, a typical UK home would see a difference of £1,832 a year, with savings ranging from around six hundred to several thousand pounds.
Data from the Affordable Energy Calculator shows that people in Edinburgh North and Leith could save an estimated average of £1,294 on their energy bills by 2030.
Hugh who lives in this constituency said: “‘I live in a rented flat in Leith and I was amazed to see that I would save £1,083 on my energy bill in 2030 if my home was properly insulated and was powered by a heat pump.
“I’d definitely recommend checking out the Affordable Energy Calculator to see how much you could save if the Government funded a UK-wide home insulation and heat pump programme.’
Ian added: “On 31st March, Greenpeace volunteers and other constituents have invited Deirdre Brock to meet as part of the Warm This Winter Coalition’s mass lobby.
“We are asking Deirdre Brock to pledge to call for the expansion of Government-funded home insulation schemes, heat pump installation, more investment in renewable energy, and further support for vulnerable households with their energy bills.
“If you live in Edinburgh North and Leith, we’d love for you to join us in inviting Deirdre Brock to meet, or if you live elsewhere, check out the online map [below] to see if a meeting has already been organised with your MP.”
Chancellor sets out next stage of the Government’s plan to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt.
Building on the stability he gained from Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt will set out next steps to drive economic growth across the UK.
Plan will help ease the cost of living, remove barriers into work to boost incomes, drive business investment, and support new, high-growth industries of the future.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will unveil the next phase of the Government’s plan to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt in his Spring Budget today.
In his first Budget speech as Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt is expected to build on the stability gained at the Autumn Statement, with new measures to support families and businesses with the cost of living, before setting out an agenda to grow the UK economy.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt is expected to say:“In the Autumn we took difficult decisions to deliver stability and sound money. Today, we deliver the next part of our plan: a Budget for growth.
“Not just growth from emerging out of a downturn. But long term, sustainable, healthy growth that pays for our NHS and schools, finds good jobs for young people, provides a safety net for older people … all whilst making our country one of the most prosperous in the world.
“Today I deliver that by removing the obstacles that stop businesses investing; tackling the labour shortages that stop them recruiting; breaking down the barriers that stop people working and harnessing British ingenuity to make us a science and tech superpower.”
The Government is already protecting struggling families with one-off payments worth £94 billion. After a decade of reforms, people on low incomes can now earn £1,000 a month without paying tax or national insurance thanks to rises in tax thresholds. This has helped to lift two million people out of absolute poverty, after housing costs, including 400,000 pensioners and 500,000 children.
The Chancellor is expected to announce fairness reforms to energy bills, bringing the bills of families on prepayment meters in line with average direct debit energy bill under the Energy Price Guarantee. This will enable four million families to save £45 a year on their energy bills from July.
He will also announce his plan to go even further with and ambition to get hundreds of thousands more people into work. Support will focus on disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, parents, the over 50s, and people on Universal Credit. The changes are also expected to encourage benefit claimants to move into work or increase their hours with increased sanctions enforcement and Work Coach support, and childcare costs on Universal Credit to be paid up front.
The Chancellor is also expected to reject the narrative of decline, champion the successes the UK has achieved over the past decade, with a promise to build on the country’s competitive advantages to spread wealth and opportunity everywhere.
UK BUDGET MUST REVERSE TORY COST OF LIVING CRISIS
TOMMY SHEPPARD MP AND DEIDRE BROCK MP: SLASH ENERGY BILLS AND PUT MONEY BACK IN PEOPLE’S POCKETS
The SNP has said “the number one priority for the UK budget must be to put money back into people’s pockets” – warning the Tories can’t continue to hammer household incomes.
Ahead of today’s budget, Tommy Sheppard MP and Deidre Brock MP have urged Jeremy Hunt to deliver a comprehensive package to boost household incomes and economic growth. The MPs for Edinburgh East and Edinburgh North & Leith have challenged the Chancellor to deliver the SNP’s five-point plan:
Saving families £1400 on energy bills – by cutting the Energy Price Guarantee to £2000 and maintaining the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme to the summer.
Raising public sector pay and benefits by CPI – putting money into the pockets of millions of workers and delivering Barnett consequentials for Scottish spending.
Scrapping Tory plans to raise the pension age to 68 and reinstating the Triple Lock – so no one must struggle in old age.
Re-joining the European Single Market – to boost economic growth and halt the multi-billion pound long-term damage being caused by Brexit.
Investing in green growth – by competing with EU and US subsidies to attract green investment.
In addition to the headroom identified by the IFS, and the billions of pounds saved as a result of the falling wholesale price of gas, the SNP is calling for the Chancellor to scrap non-dom tax status, tax share buy backs, and expand the windfall tax, which would raise billions more to fund cost of living support for ordinary households.
Commenting, Edinburgh East MP, Tommy Sheppard said: “The number one priority for the UK budget must be to put money back into people’s pockets – and reverse this Tory-made cost of living crisis.
“Scotland is a wealthy, energy-rich country but families are being fleeced by Westminster. By refusing to act, the Tories are showing why Scotland needs independence, so we can escape Westminster control, re-join the EU, and build a fair and prosperous economy.
“Families are sick to the back teeth of being ripped off by the Tory government. Instead of hammering household incomes, the Chancellor must save families £1,400 by slashing energy bills and deliver a comprehensive package of support.
“The SNP’s five-point plan would reduce bills, raise incomes and boost economic growth, at a time when many families are struggling to get by. With energy companies making record profits and the wholesale price of gas falling, there is no excuse for failing to act.”
Edinburgh North & Leith MP, Deidre Brock, added: “The SNP Scottish Government is doing everything it can with limited fiscal powers, including delivering the Scottish Child Payment, higher energy bill support, and higher public sector pay.
“The UK government must finally step up to the plate and use its reserved powers to introduce a Real Living Wage and raise public sector pay and benefits by CPI. In doing so, it would raise the incomes of millions of workers and deliver Barnett consequentials which would benefit Edinburgh and Scotland.
“This UK Budget is all about choices. Instead of making families in Edinburgh pay for Westminster failure, the Tories must fund support by scrapping non-dom tax status, expanding the windfall tax and taxing share buy backs, which would raise billions.
“And if we are serious about delivering economic growth and reversing decline, the UK government must re-join the European single market and properly invest in green energy.
“Scotland is suffering the consequences of Westminster control. The Tories trashed the economy with Brexit, austerity cuts and thirteen years of mismanagement. And with the pro-Brexit Labour Party becoming a pound-shop Tory tribute act, it’s clear independence is the only way for Scotland to secure the real change we need.”
Budget predictions – Bank of Scotland
Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “Business confidence in Scotland rose in recent months and, after business rates were frozen in a bid to help smaller businesses in the Scottish Budget, firms will be looking to the Chancellor to continue supporting long-term, sustainable growth and encourage higher levels of productivity.
“Growing the economy is key and the Budget is an opportunity to bring further stability and encourage investment in future growth. The Chancellor could show that he can help meet these ambitions by increasing capital allowances and providing the greater certainty and support businesses need to invest in a more high-tech, low-carbon economy.”
· Scottish Gas and Post Office bring the Scottish Gas Post Office Pop-Ups to communities with highest need, with events across Glasgow, Stornoway, Kirkwall and Aberdeen
· Since May last year, the partnership initiative has seen over 122 Pop-Ups in 62 locations take place across Great Britain to support people in need
Scottish Gas and Post Office bring the successful Scottish Gas Post Office Pop-Ups to Glasgow and Aberdeen, as well as two of the furthest corners of the nation – Stornoway and Kirkwall.
The Scottish Pop-Ups follow the 122 events that have taken place across Great Britain since the initiative launched as a pilot programme in May 2022, supporting people with practical and financial advice from expert money and energy advisors and providing grant eligibility assistance to those who need it most.
The Scottish Gas Post Office Pop-Ups aim to reassure bill payers with experts answering their questions and concerns in an environment that’s familiar, safe and local to them.
More importantly, at every event, money and energy advisers from local British Gas Energy Trust funded charities will be offering an in-depth overview of the support available, signposting people to other organisations who may be able to help, checking benefits entitlements and providing free energy-saving tips and advice.
The first of the series of eight Scottish Gas Post Office Pop-ups opens today in Glasgow, providing people with confidential advice from Scottish Gas Energy Trust-funded organisations. Those struggling with energy debt will be directed to the independent advice available through British Gas Energy Trust and the organisations they fund, including energy saving advice and access to grant.
The Scottish Pop-Ups are even offering support to the most remote areas of Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands, as Scottish Gas understands these are the communities with the highest need.
The dates and locations include:
· Glasgow – 21st and 22nd March
· Aberdeen – 23rd and 24th March
· Stornoway – 27th and 28th March
· Orkney – 30th and 31st March
Jessica Taplin, British Gas Energy Trust Chief Executive said:“Helping Scottish people continues to be a priority for us in 2023. With many people unable to access financial support and advice online, these Pop-Ups will be a lifeline to those really struggling this spring.
“As always, our mission is to help alleviate the detrimental impact of poverty. By working closely with Scottish organisations already embedded in the local communities, we can provide much needed financial and practical support to vulnerable members of the community, whether you’re a Scottish Gas customer or not.”
One in seven people have skipped meals due to the rising cost of living, new Which? research finds, as the consumer champion calls on the government and essential businesses – such as energy companies, supermarkets and telecoms firms – to take action to help consumers.
According to the latest findings from Which?’s Consumer Insight Tracker, a worrying number of households are going without food and sitting in cold homes due to the rising cost of living.
One in seven (15%) said they had skipped meals – compared to one in eight (12%) in November. The new findings also showed nearly one in ten (9%) had prioritised meals for other family members above themselves and 4 per cent had used a food bank.
Jackie Rudd, aged 72 and from West Suffolk, has found that rising energy prices have left less room in her budget for grocery shopping. This has meant she is now skipping meals two to three times per week.
She said: “The last week of the month, meals are missed – if you have no money for a loaf then there’s no lunch and if there’s no milk, then there’s no breakfast. Basic groceries have gone up to stupid levels – the loaf of bread I usually buy has gotten smaller and more expensive.”
People are also looking for ways to save on their energy bills – with seven in ten (72%) saying they have put the heating on less due to rising prices, four in 10 (39%) using less hot water and one in five (19%) having had fewer cooked meals.
Concerningly, three in ten (29%) respondents who said they had put their heating on less said they have often or always felt physically uncomfortable this winter as a result.
One 85-year-old man said: “The house is cold due to the cost of heating, so I am continually wearing layer upon layer of clothes. Saving money on heating allows more money for food.”
A 30-year-old man said: “Our house is cold a lot of the time because the high costs of gas and electric makes a warm house unaffordable.”
Which?’s Consumer Insight Tracker also found that an estimated 2.3 million households said they missed or defaulted on a vital payment – such as a mortgage, rent, credit card or bill payment – in the last month. This is in line with the number who missed payments in January 2023, demonstrating that financial difficulty has remained high in early 2023.
Six in ten (59%) people made at least one financial adjustment – such as cutting back on essentials, selling items or dipping into savings – in the last month to cover essential spending. This equates to an estimated 16.5 million households.
This is a significant increase from the half (52%) making financial adjustments this time last year, but lower than the peak of two-thirds (65%) making adjustments in September 2022.
Which? is calling on the government and essential businesses to take action to support consumers with the rising cost of living and higher energy bills from next month.
With the main energy bill support scheme coming to an end and the energy price guarantee scheduled to jump to £3,000 for an average household in April, consumers will face higher bills from next month. The government must urgently consider postponing increasing the energy price guarantee to £3,000 to help those struggling to make ends meet.
The consumer champion is also calling on essential businesses – such as supermarkets, energy and telecom providers – to ensure that people have access to the best value products and services across the UK.
For example, supermarkets should increase availability of affordable and healthy own-brand budget ranges throughout their branches. Telecoms providers should cancel 2023 inflationary price hikes for financially vulnerable consumers – and allow all customers to leave without penalty when prices are hiked mid-contract.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “It’s hugely worrying that households across the country are forced to go hungry and sit in cold homes as they cannot afford basic essentials this winter.
“Which? is calling on the government and essential businesses to do more to support their customers through this extraordinary cost of living crisis.
“With energy bills due to rise in April, the government must urgently consider postponing its decision to increase the energy price guarantee to £3,000. For some families, who continue to be battered by high inflation, this will offer an important lifeline to stop them falling into financial distress.”
The bodies say interfering with electricity and gas meters can have a “disastrous effect” on perpetrators and innocent people nearby – and have urged anyone coming across tampering to report it and avert disaster.
In a joint statement, Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, and Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “It is a distressing sign of the times that an increasing number of consumers are resorting to tampering with their electrical and gas meters in an effort to reduce their energy bills.
“Stealing energy in this way is a worrying and illegal practice, often encouraged by widely shared footage on social media. But it risks lives and can have fatal consequences for innocent people close by.
“Such services are often offered by unscrupulous individuals who will bypass services or devices for a fee. But often the methods they use are often extremely dangerous and they can have no, or very limited, knowledge of what they’re doing.
“Like all gas and electrical work, interrupting the supply is something that should only ever be dealt with by fully-trained and qualified professionals.
“We are urging all householders and tradespeople to immediately contact the relevant energy company if they suspect meter tampering has occurred.”
Sean Smith, Fire Investigation Officers Watch Commander with SFRS, said: “SFRS is now seeing meter tampering and removal services with increasing frequency and, sadly, we have first-hand experience of the tragic circumstances that they can cause.
“We are now engaging with communities to discourage this dangerous act and make people aware of the significant risks from energy theft and meter tampering.”
The renewed alert follows a warning last year from energy regulator Ofcom, who flagged the danger of social media posts claiming gas and electricity meters could be removed as an “energy-saving hack”.
It also coincides with the current high-profile Stay Energy Safe campaign from Crimestoppers, urging contractors and consumers to contact them anonymously at 0800 023 2777 if they think a meter has been tampered.
