More than half of eligible households will not use energy payment for bills

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 00:32 · Archive

A survey found 57% of households eligible for the Government's £100 energy payment do not plan to use it for energy costs.

A survey by Censuswide for holiday provider On the Beach found that 57% of households in council tax bands A to D will not use the Government's £100 energy payment as intended. Instead, 15% of eligible households plan to use some of the money for a summer getaway, with the proportion rising to 24% among those aged 18 to 44.

Chancellor John Healey announced the payment in last week's Budget, saying it would give 'breathing space' to households facing soaring energy bills. The payment will be made directly to bank accounts at a cost of £2.6 billion. This followed Ofgem's price cap rising 3.6% to £1,723 for a typical household in October, with a further rise of around 22% forecast for January.

Apart from holidays, the survey found other intended uses for the money: 32% said they would spend it on groceries, 13% intended to pay off debt, and 13% said they would place it into savings. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition warned that the payment would 'barely dent' the predicted rise in energy costs and that paying directly into accounts meant 'it may not even be spent on staying warm this winter'.

How it is being reported

• Survey reveals what some eligible households plan to use £100 energy payment forThe poll by Censuswide for holiday provider On the Beach found 15% will put the payment towards a summer getaway, rising to 24% of 18 to 44-year-olds.Evening Standard · 4 Nov, 00:01
• Survey reveals what some eligible households plan to use £100 energy payment forThe poll by Censuswide for holiday provider On the Beach found 15% will put the payment towards a summer getaway, rising to 24% of 18 to 44-year-olds.Independent Business · 4 Nov, 00:01

In this story: John Healey · On the Beach · End Fuel Poverty Coalition · Ofgem · Censuswide

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