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Ofgem has announced the first phase of its scheme to address the record £4.4bn energy debt that has built up over the cost of living crisis. Anyone on means-tested benefits, who built up energy debt of more than £100 between April 2022 and March 2024, will be eligible to apply as part of the £500 million debt write off.
Reacting to the announcement, Eva Watkinson, Head of Campaigns at Debt Justice, said:
This scheme will bring much needed relief for thousands of people receiving benefits. But millions more are being crushed under the weight of unjust and unpayable energy debt caused by the cost of living crisis. The scheme must be expanded immediately.
It is outrageous that energy network companies, which have made enormous profits, are not contributing to the cost of the debt write-off scheme. Instead, the cost will be added to consumers’ bills. This scheme must go hand in hand with actions to bring down energy bills, as prices remain sky-high.
Notes:
Debt Justice response to Ofgem consultation ‘Update on our approach to the Debt Relief scheme’ https://debtjustice.org.uk/comment/debt-justices-response-to-ofgems-update-on-our-approach-to-the-debt-relief-scheme-drs
Debt Justice (formerly Jubilee Debt Campaign) is a UK charity working to end poverty caused by unjust debt through education, research and campaigning: https://debtjustice.org.uk/
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