ENERGY suppliers have started issuing £150 payments to help millions of households with gas and electricity costs this winter.
This support is provided through the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme, offering a one-off, tax-free discount on electricity bills for low-income households.
The scheme reopened at the beginning of the month, and customers have taken to social media to share that they’ve started receiving the £150 discount.
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Households in England and Wales don’t have to apply to get the cash and receive it automatically.
Some Scottish households do have to apply for the discount.
One EDF customer on Facebook yesterday: “Has anyone got their Warm Home Discount of £150 as we have had ours this afternoon added to our smart meter.”
Another customer responded and said: “Mine came through today too.
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One Ovo Energy customer also said on Facebook this morning: “Woke up this morning to the Warm Home Discount applied to my meter!”
Another added: “Same! I haven’t been entitled the last few years, so I don’t know what’s changed!”
The eligibility requirements for the Warm Home Discount are the same as last year.
You’re eligible and you’ll get the discount automatically; or
You might be eligible, and you need to give more information.
The letter will tell you to call the helpline by February 29, 2024 to confirm your details.
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Who’s eligible for the discount?
To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or a different qualifying benefit form the list below:
If you weren’t claiming any of the above benefits on August 11, 2024, you won’t be eligible for the payment.
Where someone claims a qualifying benefit, the government will assess their energy costs based on the type, age and size of property.
This means that you may not be considered eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient property for instance, even if you receive a qualifying benefit.
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However, this rule doesn’t apply to recipients of the guarantee credit portion of pension credit.
Even if you weren’t getting pension credit on August 11, thousands of pensioners who apply for the benefit now can still qualify for the £150 payment.
So you’ll need to launch your claim by November 10 and then successfully get it backdated to cover the August 11 Warm Home Discount qualifying date.
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But if you fail to apply before this date, you’ll miss out.
What is pension credit and how do I apply?
PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This is known as “guarantee credit”.
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If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:
Attendance allowance
The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
Armed forces independence payment
The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.
ou could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.
Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions, the winter fuel payment and the Warm Home Discount.
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You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
If you haven’t received a letter confirming your eligibility for the scheme by early January 2024, but believe you qualify, you should contact the helpline on 0800 030 9322.
How is the Warm Home Discount paid?
If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of your bill the £150 Warm Home Discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit.
Once it has been applied, it will show on your next bill.
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If you have a traditional prepayment meter, your energy supplier will send you a letter explaining how you’ll get your discount.
You’ll usually receive a Post Office voucher in the post and instructions on redeeming it.
It’s vital to cash in these vouchers as soon as you receive them.
Data from the Post Office, showed that up to £3million worth of vouchers went unclaimed last year.
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If you have a smart prepayment meter, your energy supplier will automatically credit your meter with the discount.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
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If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
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British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
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The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
UK housing secretary Angela Rayner this week took control of the stalled planning decision over a huge new Chinese embassy in central London, just days before foreign secretary David Lammy travelled to Beijing.
The Chinese government purchased Royal Mint Court, a historic site near the Tower of London, six years ago but has so far failed to gain planning permission to build a new embassy there.
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The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government wrote to Tower Hamlets council on Monday to announce that Rayner was calling in the decision, taking it out of the hands of the local authority.
Rayner, who is also deputy prime minister, has decided to hold a local inquiry into the matter “to consider all the relevant aspects of the proposed development”, the letter said.
Beijing wants to build a giant complex over 20,000 square metres of land. It would be China’s largest diplomatic mission in Europe and far outstrip the size of its current embassy in Marylebone, built on a 830 sq m plot.
In December 2022, Tower Hamlets rejected planning proposals for what would have also been the largest diplomatic base in the UK, after receiving objections on security grounds and over the impact on local residents. There were also protests around the site.
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China declined to appeal against the decision at the time. UK government officials said their Beijing counterparts were frustrated by the suggestion they should deal with a local authority and annoyed the British central government, then run by the Conservatives, would not intervene.
However, this summer, after Labour had taken power, the Chinese embassy confirmed it had submitted a new planning application and publicly put pressure on the UK government to assist it.
“Host countries have the international obligation to support and facilitate the building of the premises of diplomatic missions,” a Chinese embassy spokesperson said in August, adding that China and the UK “should provide facilitation to each other” in this respect.
Tory MP and former UK minister Neil O’Brien questioned whether Rayner’s move was part of a wider plan by the Labour administration to step up engagement with China that included Lammy’s visit.
Lammy travelled to Beijing on Friday to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and was set to go on to Shanghai on Saturday.
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“I think a lot of people will look at the timing of this decision and assume it’s part of that operation to suck up to Beijing,” said O’Brien, who had sanctions imposed on him by China after co-founding the hawkish China Research Group in parliament.
Sam Dunning, director of research organisation UK-China Transparency, also said the timing of Rayner’s decision “raises the question whether the CCP [Chinese Communist party] have leveraged Labour’s desire for a visit to exact concessions on something that is a big priority for them — to build a super-embassy.”
The suggestion was denied by a UK official, who said: “The timing of the decision was taken by the ministry of housing. It had no relation to the foreign secretary’s visit.”
The official said the planning application raised issues of more than local importance and that it was standard for applications to be called in if they affected other governments or had a national security impact.
Submissions to the new local inquiry will inform a formal recommendation to Rayner, who will then decide whether to give planning approval. Her decision can be judicially reviewed.
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Not all critics of the Chinese regime have taken a dim view of Rayner’s move. Luke de Pulford, executive director of the hawkish Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, welcomed the central government’s decision to hold a local inquiry.
“Local campaigners have fought to be heard for more than four years, and more or less single-handedly held back the mega development in a battle of David and Goliath proportions,” he said on X.
While he acknowledged there were good reasons for relocating the embassy from its current site, de Pulford said that moving it to a “residential site of historic and strategic importance where protest would be dangerous is just plain silly”.
MHCLG said: “Applications for a new Chinese embassy in Tower Hamlets have been called in for ministers to decide. A final decision will be made in due course.”
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The Chinese embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
AN ABANDONED UK airport that once offered budget flights to Spain and Cyprus has revealed plans to re-open after a two-year closure.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport shut in 2022 after Wizz Air confirmed it would terminate the majority of its flights from the airport.
The airport, also known as the Robin Hood Airport, is located in Finningley near Doncaster and previously served millions of travellers heading to holiday destinations.
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It opened to passengers in 2005 and was one of only two commercial international airports in Yorkshire.
Within its first year, it became the 23rd largest airport in the UK, and by 2007, it had served an impressive 2.28 million passengers.
The first commercial flight from Doncaster Sheffield Airport was to Palma de Majorca, and it has since flown travellers to destinations across Greece, Portugal, and France.
The airport’s reopening is expected to delight nearby residents, who will be eager to once again use the popular travel hub.
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Mayor Ros Jones stated that she intends to keep “councillors, residents, and businesses updated” as plans progress to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
She added: “The procurement of an operator is in its final stages of due diligence, we have regular meetings with investors, businesses and airlines.
“We have submitted a Statement of Need to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to re-establishing our airspace, this will soon be publicly available via the CAA website, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of retaining our airspace, our MPs continue to engage with the Aviation Minister in relation to this.”
Mark Chadwick, a garage owner, is part of the Save Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) campaign.
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He revealed that a major announcement regarding the airport’s reopening is expected in the coming weeks and encouraged people to sign a petition advocating for the reinstatement of the airport’s airspace.
Abandoned UK airport is ‘weeks away’ from being given go-ahead to reopen – with plans to restart flights by 2028
The garage owner stated that the council was in discussions with potential operators and urged campaign members to remain patient as due diligence is conducted.
He said: “The purpose of due diligence is to mitigate risks, ensure legal compliance, and contribute to effective decision-making.
“So please be patient. And as my dear mum used to say “if you’ve nothing nice to say please don’t say anything!”
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THE AIRPORT’S FUTURE
Doncaster Council signed a new 125-year lease on the travel hub earlier this year, while a new operator is expected to be named soon.
What’s more, millions of pounds worth of grants have been approved for the airport, while airlines have expressed an eagerness to return to its runways.
And last week, Three MPs from Doncaster met the new Aviation Minister Mike Kane to discuss the airport’s future.
The minister revealed that he is working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on its reopening and on reopening its airspace, to allow planes to land and take off.
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In a post on X, formerly Twitter, MP for Doncaster East and Axholme Lee Pitcher said: “Pleased to have met the Minister for Aviation & his team to discuss opening the airspace above Doncaster when needed – There was a strong commitment.
“Pleased to hear that the team are working closely with the CAA already to help allow the airspace to be available when required.”
Pitcher was joined in the meeting by Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband and Doncaster Central MP Sally Jameson.
The trio had previously written to the Aviation Minister to put forward the case for the airport’s reopening, urging him to prevent it becoming a “long and convoluted process”.
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Their letter, published by Doncaster Free Press, reads: “As time is of the essence in our determination to re-open the airport, we strongly request that you as Aviation Minister intervene in preventing a long and convoluted new process that could place the airport; its operator and the airlines and freight companies at risk.
“A number of airline operators have already indicated a desire to commence operations at the Airport and it is likely that this will include a mix of low-cost, charter and full-service operators.
“Once the airport operator has been finalised in September, plans will be drawn up to re-commence general and business aviation traffic, with passenger operations to follow.”
Included in those airlines hoping to fly from the airport once it reopens is TUI, which confirmed earlier this year that it wants to use the hub again in the future.
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The carrier was one of several that used to use the airport, which offered flights to places like Spain, Cyprus, Poland and Romania.
A TUI spokesperson previously said: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region and were disappointed when the airport closed.
“We’re excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening”.
The Sun has contacted Sheffield council and save DSA for comment.
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The quietest UK airports to travel from
These are the airports in the UK that cater for the fewest passengers
Humberside – 136,976
Humberside stands out as the quietest UK airport with 136,976 terminal departures in 2023
Southend – 146,072
Second on the list goes to Southend, as Southend-on-Sea airport had 146,072 departures
Teesside – 226,557
With 226,557 terminal passengers last year, Teesside International Airport will be one of the quietest for UK travellers
Norwich – 357,852
Norwich is also one of the quietest airports in the UK with 357,852
Newquay – 408,870
To round out the list, Cornwall airport in Newquay ranks inside the top 5 with 408,870 passengers
Over one million retirees get the financial support, with the figure expected to rise as more households look to claim the benefit to get access to the Winter Fuel Payment.
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That is because cuts made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves mean only those on means-tested benefits – which includes Pension Credit – get the £300 support.
The document states that those claiming Child Tax Credit could actually be worse off financially if they moved to claiming Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit is given to parents or grandparents looking after children aged up to 16, or in some instances children under 20 if they remain in full-time education.
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On average, the amount you receive per year comes to £545, but this can increase depending on the number of children you care for or if they are living with a disability.
But if you are already claiming the credit and then try to apply for Pension Credit, you will no longer receive the payments.
The report read: “There is a potential risk that some people may take steps to move onto Pension Credit in the belief that this would be beneficial, but “ultimately be financially disadvantaged.”
This is because they will lose their “transitional protection,” which is money the government gives as support to households as they move from other benefits to Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
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This has been introduced as the government steams ahead with its managed migration process.
Shifting from Legacy Benefits to Universal Credit
As part of the move legacy benefits – such as Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance – are all being phased out.
All claimants will then be moved to Universal Credit by the end of April 2025.
The report, went on to say: “Pensioners currently in receipt of Child Tax Credit would lose their entitlement to transitional protection should they migrate to Pension Credit.”
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If you are not claiming Tax Credits and are worried about energy bills this winter then you should consider applying for Penson Credit.
The support tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
It will also give you access to the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a one-off payment of £300 to help with energy costs over the winter.
Will I be better off on Universal Credit?
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AROUND 1.4million people on legacy benefits will be better off after switching to Universal Credit, according to the government.
A further 300,000 would see no change in payments, while around 900,000 will be worse off under Universal Credit.
Of these, around 600,000 are expected to get top-up payments if they move under managed migration, so they don’t lose out on cash immediately.
The majority of those – around 400,000 – are claiming employment support allowance (ESA).
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Around 100,000 are on tax credits while fewer than 50,000 each on other legacy benefits are expected to be affected.
Examples of those who may be entitled to less on Universal Credit according to the government include:
Households getting ESA who and the severe disability premium and enhanced disability premium
Households with the lower disabled child addition on legacy benefits
Self-employed households who are subject to the Minimum Income Floor after the 12 month grace period has ended
In-work households that worked a specific number of hours (e.g. lone parent working 16 hours claiming working tax credits
Households receiving tax credits with savings of more than £6,000 (and up to £16,000)
But if they don’t switch in the future, they’ll risk missing out on any future increase to benefits and see payments frozen.
Those who move voluntarily and are worse off won’t get these top-up payments and could lose cash.
Those who miss the deadline and later make a claim may also not get this transitional protection either.
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The clock starts ticking on the three-month countdown from the date of the first letter, and reminders are sent via post and text message.
There is a one-month grace period after this, during which any claim to Universal Credit is backdated, and transitional protection can still be awarded.
What can you get on pension credit?
If you live with a partner and you are both State Pension age then your weekly income must fall below around £350.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
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You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:
The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.
You could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of Pension Credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.
Pension Credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Claims for Pension Credit also open doors to a number of freebies and discounts.
For example, Pension Credit claimants over 75 qualify for a free TV licence worth up to £169.50 a year.
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Claims for the benefit also provide eligibility to £25 a week cold weather payments and the £150 warm home discount.
Help with managed migration
Anyone moving from tax credits to Universal Credit can find help in a number of ways.
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