HOUSEHOLDS in Oxfordshire will start receiving £400 off their energy bills from October as the Government unveils a new scheme to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said the discount is “part of our £37 billion of help for households, including 8 million of the most vulnerable households receiving £1,200 of direct support to help with the cost of living”.

The money, which is part of a package announced in May this year, will come in the form of a monthly deduction from bills over six months.

 

The Government said customers will see £66 taken off their energy bills in October and November, and £67 each month from December to March.

Those with a domestic electricity meter who pay for their energy via standard credit, payment card or direct debit will receive an automatic deduction from their bills.

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Traditional pre-payment meter customers will be provided with energy bill discount vouchers in the first week of each month, issued via SMS text, email or post.

People who are struggling with their energy bills should contact their supplier. Ofgem rules mean suppliers must offer payment plans people can afford and customers can ask for “emergency credit” if they use a prepay meter and cannot top up.

Further Government support includes:

  • a £650 one-off cost-of-living payment for around eight million households on means-tested benefits
  • a £300 one-off pensioner cost-of-living payment for over eight million pensioner households to be paid alongside the winter fuel payment
  • a £150 one-off disability cost-of-living payment for around six million people across the UK who receive certain disability benefits.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi