Park Home residents let down by Government delays on energy price support
While most households across the country are gaining some relief from soaring energy bills over the Winter, many residents in Park Homes, almshouses and sheltered accommodation are not yet receiving the equivalent support promised for months by the Government.
Lib Dem councillor David Preedy says: "Many local residents living in Park Homes are on low or fixed incomes while energy prices are rising rapidly. This issue was identified in June and now that temperatures are falling they are still awaiting clarity from the Government. Over that period we have had three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors of the Exchequer.
"Having been told that they would receive the £400 rebate by the end of the year without having to take action, they are now told that an on-line application process will be set up in January. A help-line will be available for residents without on-line access."
David continued: "Residents are looking for certainty and for the money to help with cover the costs of keeping warm. Meanwhile they see many MPs with multiple homes will qualify for the £400 rebate on each home - and, worse still, read press articles of some who claim energy bills back on their expenses.
"Since June, I and my Lib Dem colleagues have been continually trying to seek clarification of the latest position. In July Mole Valley Council passed a motion calling on the Government to resolve this situation but since then the Government has issued a series of confused and conflicting announcements of how the scheme might work.
"First we were told that payments would come from the electricity companies and that residents didn't need to take any action; now we understand there will be a centralised on-line application form with details passed on to local Councils to make payments; but residents are told not to contact local Councils because even they haven't yet been given any details of how the scheme will work.
"In the latest statement, minister Graham Stuart claims 'This has been a top priority' but the evidence of confusion and delays demonstrates that this Government really does not care for the welfare of those affected."
The Lib Dem councillors who represent the wards with the larger Park Home sites are working with Council officers to ensure that affected residents will be notified once the details of how to apply become available.