Energy companies 'exploit poor'

SwanJon

BexTech wrote: »

Maybe what needs changing is the way some benefits are paid, maybe part of that benefit is paying for heating and electricity, but other benefits reduced.

This option is already out there as Fuel Direct, but you need to speak to the benefits agency to set it up, and they control it not the suppliers.
Problem is it's difficult to get onto it if you already have a PP meter, but it may help you avoid one going in.

stimpo

SwanJon wrote: »

This option is already out there as Fuel Direct, but you need to speak to the benefits agency to set it up, and they control it not the suppliers.
Problem is it's difficult to get onto it if you already have a PP meter, but it may help you avoid one going in.

You will not get Fuel Direct if you already have a PPM. The debt recovery will be already set at a low rate. If you do not have a debt then you will also not get fuel direct.

Fuel direct will only be given if a PPM is not feasable.

Terrylw1

Yeah, as SwanJon said, Fuel Direct has been out for a very long time.

My issue with the fuel poverty is that is is a blanket statement. However, if you try to take the full benefit of this, you can easily turned down.

Why? Because not all benefits can be used against the fuel poverty issue. A list of qualifying benefits is available off the net or your local council/BA etc.

However, if you give everyone spending 10% I will be very happy to turn all my devices on ALL day and turn my gas usage well up. Then when I hit 11% (with a fulltime wage) I will get free elec & gas for life!!!

That will never happen and someone's time is being wasted having to respond to the petition.

Who would have to pay for the cost or the gas & elec then? Suppliers have to purchase theirs on your behalf from the Distributor. Distributors then pay back into the grid. So, all you achieve is an increased cost to those not fuel poor and very likely tax hikes to recover losses to the treasury.

Further funding to the NHS would be better!!!

Hapless_2

that's what I wanted to sat Terrylw1, but you put it much better.

James123_2

VOUCHERS are a great idea. This gets round the strange issue of old folk living permantly in warmer climes, but still being entitled to their winter fuel allowance. As already mentioned, a lot has to do with the upbringing of older folk who were brought-up to scrimp and save - my dad still won't heat his house even though his disposable income is greater than my own. Thousands of old folk die of hypthermia, so it's a real issue. We've had TAX CREDITS, so let's have ENERGY CREDITS - though they should be means-tested.

Terrylw1

I agree with Hapless who said earlier that they already get winter fuel allowance. It clearlt doesn't cover the whole bill but it was never meant to. It was menat to cover the difference in cost between the seasons. So, maybe that should be reviewed.

I think people need to remember that fuel poverty is not about the old. It's about vulnerable members of society so you are aso talking about those on benefits e.g. the disabled who should be entitled as much as the elderly as they may not be able to work for the extra money they need.

Also, got to remember that societies "I don't intend to work" types are also in this category. So, I would welcome a review of current benefits - not the government spending X millions creating a new one.

Hapless_2

I think people need to remember that fuel poverty is not about the old. It's about vulnerable members of society so you are aso talking about those on benefits e.g. the disabled who should be entitled as much as the elderly as they may not be able to work for the extra money they need

And in many cases less likely to be able to get about.