Government announces new support for charities to help pay energy bills
On Monday 9 January, the Government announced a new scheme for UK wide non-domestic energy customers, including charities, like individual Scout Groups.
We’re pleased that this new package has committed to continued support for charities. This provides a much needed discount on energy bills until April 2024. Initially the current measures were due to end in April 2023.
From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their gas bill and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill, except for those benefitting from lower energy prices.
Whilst the discount got the new scheme announced is not the same amount as the previous scheme we had called for, we do appreciate what has been announced and that there will at least be some continued support. You can read in detail on the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme on gov.uk.
We’re incredibly grateful to all volunteers who shared their stories and experiences with us, this helped us to advocate for this new Scheme.
We’d like to particularly thank the County, Area and District Commissioners who took the time to write to their MPs to convey the needs of their local groups. Your work has contributed to this being raised directly to Government Ministers, in Parliament and has made sure that there is continued support which will make a difference to Scouts across the country.
For more information please contact Ben Sundell, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, by emailing ben.sundell@scouts.org.uk.
If you’re looking for additional support and guidance to manage the rising costs of running Scouts, please check out our Cost of Living hub.