reintroduce the £400 energy support scheme

MattMattMattUK

will_he_wont_he said:

MattMattMattUK said:

No, all of the handouts have to be paid for, essentially by spending less elsewhere, even if they come from additional borrowing or higher taxes that is ultimately the impact that they have.

This would and also states that the correct way to fund this would be another windfall tax against the energy companies, exactly the same as it was last winter, 

The windfall tax did not raise enough to cover the handouts. Windfall taxes are bad taxes economically and profits for energy producers have already started to decline and will continue to decline over the next year, further reducing any "windfall" and so the proceeds of any windfall tax. that also ignores the fact that if it was chosen to use a windfall tax again, the best use would not be more handouts, trying to hypothecate a tax does not make the chosen expenditure justified or the optimal thing to spend it on. 

brewerdave

The problem with "windfall taxes" on energy companies is that the really big sums are being made by companies on their world wide profits - some make relatively little in the UK and some aren't based in the UK anyway.

Novice_investor101

matt_drummer said:

will_he_wont_he said:

People have had plenty of time to plan and budget for increased energy costs, no general bail out is required for this coming winter.

i totally disagree, many households are using food banks to survive and many don't know where their next meal is coming from!
thousands of households are working all hours god sends and still in minus come the end of the month.

I think you do agree really.

Thousands of households may need some help, but the remaining millions don't.

A generalised £400 handout to every household in the country is not required this year and to do so would be a waste of money.

Targeted help for those most in need will be required and happens most years in any case with things such as winter fuel allowances and warm home discounts.


I didn't need £400 last year and I don't need it now, and there are millions just like me.

There’s generalised handouts for pensioners in the winter fuel allowance & cost of living payments. Many pensioners need that help but many also do not because they’re financially well off already. 

Maybe that money could be redirected to help middle earners who receive no help now but need it. 

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Energy prices are predicted to drop a little and although we are aren't typical in our energy use it should save us around £200 if the prices fall by 5p a unit on electricity. 

I say save, it's more a case of pay £200 less really.

I'm sure the government are giving £900 to those on certain benefits this year which should help those on lower incomes pay for things that have gone up in price, like energy. 

[Deleted User]

Another definite thumbs down from me. I actually got more in energy support last year than I spent on energy. All gratefully received of course but my conscience wouldn't allow me to vote for the same again. I'd much rather the money be spent in other ways such as clearing the NHS backlog. 

Chrysalis

As much as the poorest need it, I think the government are done, the remaining CoL payments will be the last and when the EPG times out that will be it.

When it comes down to it the CoL and the £400 were the best parts, it feels like the EPG just was a vacuum to suck up cash to placate those who didnt qualify for CoL as it was designed so wastefully.

I just dont think there will be enough support as the way of human nature is a lack of empathy to others. (Im alright jack)

I will sign the petition though.

fatbelly

I've signed

Mstty

The price cap in the winter of 2021 was £1271

A few doors down they received

£400 EBSS
£200 AFP
£150 CTax rebate
£900 COL
£150 energy shift events

£1800 total

Their energy bill was £1750 April 22 - April 23

Last year went so far with money thrown about that this year is going to be a bigger shock than last year was supposed to be.

I am certain ML hq are already formulating a plan of attack.

In my opinion they went so far last year that they will probably have to throw more money at it again this year.

inkydolphin

Presumably anyone who says they didn't need the £400 last winter did the right thing and paid the money back to the government...

Mstty

inkydolphin said:

Presumably anyone who says they didn't need the £400 last winter did the right thing and paid the money back to the government...

They paid it in taxes and future taxes for years to come.