The UK Government has finally announced how they will give support to people who do not use mains gas. They have released information on the ‘Alternative Fuels Payment’ (AFP) which can be applied for online.
To be eligible for the payment you must use alternative fuels for most of your heating such as tank or bottled gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil, wood or solid fuel.
You must also be connected to mains electricity. Most households will get £400 automatically from the electricity supplier, but if you haven’t been given it, you need to contact them to ask them to provide it, by applying online.
To apply for Alternative Fuels Payment you will need to provide basic details of who you are and where you live. If you are not named on the council tax bill then you will need to provide proof of address. You will also need to provide receipts for any fuels you have purchased up to the amount of £200. You will also need to provide bank details so that they can pay you the £200. Once applied for, they say it can take 6 weeks for them to get back to you.
Please attempt to apply online on the links below or contact your Site Manager or GRT Liaison Officer to provide you support with this.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic
https://www.gov.uk/apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic
Alternatively you can also find your nearest place to get advice and help with this at https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/.
If you are still struggling to apply – please call Warren on 07494 969356 on a Monday or email wlee@londongandt.org.uk. Please be aware we are a small charity and receive more requests for support than we can provide so it is best to try other options before us.
If you have any questions or issues with bottled gas providers or feel you are being overcharged for your energy and live on a site, please contact Warren on the information above.
Currently, these two Government support schemes don’t include Gypsies and Travellers living roadside without a permanent address, or many liveaboard Boaters. Friends, Families and Travellers are running a campaign where you can write to your MP asking them to change this. You can send the campaign letter here: https://action.gypsy-traveller.org/page/123517/action/1
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