Households on prepayment meters are being urged to claim energy bills support vouchers worth £400 by 30 June as new figures show people across the country could miss out on £130million of help with the cost of living crisis.
In Tower Hamlets, 34 per cent of eligible residents are yet to cash in their vouchers, totalling more than £25,000 of unclaimed support within the borough.
Residents who may be eligible are being urged to check unopened post from their energy suppliers which may contain vouchers, or to contact their supplier for the vouchers to be reissued as soon as possible if they are lost or expired.
As energy bills have skyrocketed the council knows how crucial the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme has been. The £400, paid in 6 instalments of £66 or £67 has helped many people this winter.
But prepayment customers were paid in vouchers and millions remain unclaimed. Some customers didn’t receive them, others struggled to redeem them.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said:
“We urge anyone who hasn’t yet claimed their vouchers to do so before the 30 June deadline, and if you have friends and family who may not have used their vouchers, spread the word.
“This support could be the difference between keeping a fan running overnight, keeping the oven cooking, and showers running. It is vital money at a time when it’s never been needed more.”
Cllr Saied Ahmed, cabinet member for Resources and the Cost of Living added:
“To residents using prepayment cards, please go along to your nearest Post Office or PayPoint with your Energy Bills Support vouchers and ID before 30 June, so you can get money off your bills. If you haven't got yours, or if you did but have since lost it or it's expired, contact your energy supplier and they will be able to resend it.
“Don’t forget to have a look at our energy saving tips as part of our Cost of Living Help campaign.”
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Posted on Wednesday 28th June 2023