Thousands of vulnerable households across Milton Keynes have received help with their energy bills thanks to a discretionary energy rebate scheme launched by Milton Keynes City Council.
Last month, nearly half a million pounds was credited to household council tax accounts across the city.
Over 3,300 vulnerable claimants eligible for council tax reduction, including lone parents, care leavers and claimants with disabilities, each received a £126 rebate. This money will be used to reduce ongoing council tax payments or can be refunded to the council taxpayer, meaning it can go towards energy bills.
This additional funding distributed by the City Council totals over £415,000. It was provided in addition to the £150 energy rebate distributed to households in Council Tax bands A-D, and the discretionary rebate for low-income pensioners.
Councillor Rob Middleton, Labour Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“Families will be cranking up their heating as temperatures continue to drop this winter, but sadly there are thousands of households who may not be able to afford to pay their energy bill.
“Skyrocketing prices will hit people especially hard this winter, so the City Council is continuing to help those that need it by providing additional financial support. I am pleased that thousands of vulnerable households have received help to pay their bills, as no family should be forced to choose between heating, eating and debt.”
Councillor Jane Carr, Lib Dem Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for the cost-of-living crisis, added:
“The Progressive Alliance is committed to mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis for local families. Aside from energy bill help for the most vulnerable, there is lots of support out there for those that need it through our multi-million-pound Winter Plan, and I encourage those in need to explore the options available to them.”
The City Council has declared a cost-of-living emergency and launched a £3.3m Winter Plan to help people through the toughest financial crisis in a generation. The Winter Plan includes a free Warmth and Wellbeing Helpline, a £20,000 donation to the MK Foodbank, partnering with parish councils to offer warm spaces, and direct financial assistance. More information can be found at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/cost-living-help.
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