Scottish fuel poverty charity Energy Action Scotland has given us their reaction to the news announced in the Budget that people will be given a £100 energy payment. 

The £2.6 billion scheme aims to ease the cost-of-living pressures facing families, particularly during the colder winter months when energy use typically increases. 

 

The payment is intended for households in council tax bands A to D in England, with around 20 million households expected to benefit. The money is planned to be paid directly into bank accounts from January 2027, providing extra financial support to help people manage their household expenses. 

The announcement forms part of a wider package of measures to reduce energy costs, including extending the temporary VAT cut on domestic electricity until July 2027. The UK Government has also allocated funding to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to enable their devolved governments to provide similar support, although the arrangements may differ.

Frazer Scott, CEO of Energy Action Scotland said “While we welcome support for struggling households, this energy payment of £100 will not go far as families face predicted rises of 27% in January. Support needs to targeted at those who need it most and needs to sustained, in the form of a social tariff, so the households with the greatest need can afford to stay well, protect their health and enjoy basic necessities like cooking, hot water, heat and light.”