During last winter's General Election campaign many pensioners, who are on fixed incomes, told me about how concerned they are about increases to their energy bills. They were worried about how they could afford ever-increasing price rises from the energy companies and how they would heat their homes. The Conservative Party gave a manifesto commitment to protect our most vulnerable elderly people so that they could live comfortably in a warm home.

Today, we are announcing that the Warm Homes Discount will automatically benefit over one million vulnerable pensioners with lower energy bills – helping them with the cost of living. We have worked with energy suppliers to automatically apply a discount to eligible pensioners’ fuel bills. 

This will save vulnerable pensioners – those receiving Pension Credit – £140 off their bills without them having to lift a finger. A further 220,000 pensioners who meet part of the eligibility criteria but are not yet benefiting will receive a letter encouraging them to claim via a dedicated helpline, and we will also be extending the Warm Home Discount Scheme until at least March 2022.

I am committed that this government will actively help pensioners on low incomes with their energy bills, reducing the pressures on vulnerable customers who may be worried about the cost of living.