A government-backed scheme is offering one-off payments of up to £500 to help households struggling with energy bills in parts of Warwickshire, but time is running out. Eligible residents in Stratford-upon-Avon and neighbouring districts are being encouraged to apply before funding is exhausted or the programme closes at the end of September.
The support is administered by Act on Energy, a West Midlands-based charity dedicated to tackling fuel poverty. The initiative targets low-income households and those considered vulnerable, offering direct payments to energy suppliers or pre-payment vouchers to help reduce the financial burden of rising energy costs.
Support Available for Vulnerable Households
The scheme provides a direct energy support payment of £500 for families with children under 18 or young adults up to 21 in full-time education. Single occupants or couples may receive £300, depending on their circumstances. Payments are made directly to energy providers or issued as pre-payment vouchers for those using pay-as-you-go meters.
Eligibility for the Stratford-upon-Avon scheme requires a gross household income below £31,000, no household savings, and at least one recognised vulnerability. Vulnerability is broadly defined and may include diagnosed health conditions such as COPD, unmanageable debt, pregnancy, young children under five, or receipt of disability benefits (DLA or PIP) and free school meals.
Applicants must provide documentation confirming their income—either recent benefits statements or three months of bank records. Act on Energy has stated that applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis and that the scheme may close earlier than planned if funds are depleted.
Broader support across Warwickshire
In addition to the Stratford-based funding, Act on Energy is also running the Warwickshire Household Support Fund, supporting residents in the Warwick, Rugby, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and North Warwickshire districts. This separate fund also targets households with incomes under £31,000 and includes grants for repairing or replacing heating systems, as well as energy debt relief.
According to Act on Energy, eligibility extends to homeowners who have held their property for at least 12 months and whose homes are not currently on the market. Vulnerability criteria remain similar but may vary slightly depending on the scheme. The organisation notes that each case is reviewed individually, and discretionary support may be granted.
For those outside the West Midlands, local councils may offer similar assistance through the national Household Support Fund, though provisions differ by area. More information and applications are available on Act on Energy’s official website.
