More than 80,000 Swindon households receive energy payment
More than £12m in Government funding has been issued to residents across Swindon to help with rising energy costs.
Published: Friday, 22nd July 2022
Council taxpayers in bands A – D were eligible for a payment of £150 from the Government, and in Swindon, this has been issued to more than 80,000 households. Payments were made either directly into eligible residents’ bank accounts or as a Post Office voucher.
£371,000 was also given to Swindon Borough Council to be used to support residents in need of financial aid but who were not eligible for the Government’s £150 payment scheme. A discretionary scheme has been set up in Swindon and further information, including eligibility criteria and the application form, can be found on the Council’s website: www.swindon.gov.uk/energypayments
Residents who did not receive a £150 payment but believe they should have done, or those who received a voucher which they have been unable to claim, can also use the online application form to advise the Council of their situation.
Residents are advised to use the online form if they can, as this will be the most efficient way of the application reaching the team directly. However, anyone who cannot apply online who would like assistance can contact the Council by calling 01793 445500.
Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, said: “With the rising cost of living, it’s more important than ever that residents access the financial support and advice they need. Since the Government announced this support scheme, teams across the Council have been working incredibly hard to get the payments out to eligible residents as quickly as possible. This isn’t a quick job and lots of work is required to get the processes right, but it’s great to see that all payments as part of this scheme have been issued. The discretionary fund is available to help us support those households who weren’t eligible for the £150 payment scheme but are still in need of financial support so do get in touch and apply if you fit the criteria on the website.
“Make sure you also visit our website for further support and advice to help with the cost of living at www.swindon.gov.uk/costofliving - there’s lots of help available in Swindon so it’s important to make sure you’re accessing everything you’re entitled to.”