Stratford-on-Avon District Council has funding available to support vulnerable households with financial support for those who are struggling to pay their energy bills and homeowners to repair, replace, and improve heating systems.
The Stratford Heating and Energy Bills Support (SHEBS) scheme replaces the previous Energy Support Fund and Physical Intervention Fund, and is administered on behalf of the Council by Act on Energy.
To qualify for help you need to meet the scheme criteria. Please see below for details.
Eligibility
To be eligible households must meet the income and vulnerability criteria listed below.
Income criteria:
- Gross household income of up to £31,000 plus a vulnerability from the list shown in the next section
- If applying for energy bill support – no household savings
- If applying for heating system support – homeowners with savings of up to £6,000 (including funeral plans) in aggregate for each adult in receipt of state pension
You will be required to provide evidence of income:
- For those on means tested benefits – evidence of award dated within the last three months
- For those not on means tested benefits – bank statements for three months
Applicants must also confirm that someone in the home is vulnerable. This is quite a broad measure so please contact Act on Energy if you are unsure.
Vulnerabilities typically include:
- Long term diagnosed and treated health conditions e.g. COPD
- Households with unmanageable debt
- Pregnant or have young children under the age of five
- Disabled and in receipt of DLA or PIP
- In receipt of related benefits e.g. free school meals
- Other vulnerabilities disclosed by households not on the list but accepted at Act on Energy's discretion
Energy Bill Support
A one-off payment for financial support with energy vouchers and energy payment.
The amount received will be determined by your household composition:
- Families with children under the age of 18 (or young adults up to age 21 in full time education) could receive £500 via direct payment to their energy supplier or as pre-payment energy vouchers for those paying by key or card
- Single occupants or couples could receive £300 via direct payment to their energy supplier or as pre-payment vouchers for those paying by key or card
You will be required to provide supporting evidence of your vulnerability and a copy of a recent energy bill.
Heating System Support
Support available depends on your existing heating system, but may include:
- Gas boiler replacement (not warm air or electric)
- Oil and LPG boiler replacement
- Full replacement of existing old and broken heating systems
- Replacement of electric storage heaters to high heat retention heaters
- First time central heating to homes with existing gas connections
- Boiler servicing and repairs
- Replacement of or new heating controls
- Replacement of hot water cylinders
- Low-cost insulation measures
After you have registered your interest in heating system support (see below) an application form will be posted to you. You will need to complete the application form and return it to Act on Energy.
How to apply
If you need support or want to find out more about eligibility criteria, please visit the Act on Energy website.
Or you can contact Act on Energy directly:
Phone: 0800 988 2881
Email: advice@actonenergy.org.uk
