MP urges park home residents to apply for energy support grants

South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson reported that the Charis Autumn Park Homes Warm Home Discount Scheme has seen more applications than ever before and that more than half of the funding has already been allocated to vulnerable households. 

Permanent park home and static caravan residents across England, Scotland and Wales can apply for a £150 payment to help towards their gas or electricity bills.

Applications are considered on a first-come-first-served basis, and the scheme also offers essential items including fridges and freezers. 

Grants have been offered since 2016, when the previous Government worked with Charis Grants in partnership with Ofgem to enable energy companies to support fuel-poor households living in park homes. 

This year, the initiative is being funded by E.ON Next, Utilita, OVO, and Rebel Energy.  

The £150 payments are available to qualifying park home residents who do not have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier and instead pay for their energy bills through pitch fees or directly to the site owner.

And, with a proportion of funding still available, Mr Anderson is calling on eligible residents, who have not yet applied, to submit their applications as quickly as possible. 

Successful applicants will receive payments directly into their bank accounts by March 2025. 

South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson said: "News that energy prices will rise again from January, when the Energy Price Cap increases by a further £21, will be worrying for many residents across South Shropshire. 

"When added to October's increase, it means the cap on typical annual bills has risen by £170 since October – an increase of more than 10 per cent. I want to ensure vulnerable households get the support they need. So, I welcome Charis' Park Homes Warm Home Discount Scheme. It offers financial stability and peace of mind to vulnerable households in off-grid communities. With a fair proportion of funding still available, I urge all eligible residents to submit applications as soon as possible." 

Jonathan Hunt, director of clients at Charis, added: "There are people in our society that often get overlooked by the usual support systems. We want to ensure they know about the payment they are entitled to. Otherwise, these people may be facing significant pressures, despite this help being there."