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Cost of living Crisis News Round- up - Energy Grants and Advice part 2, October 2022
Here is another collection of funding announcements and resources aimed at helping charities continue their work to help others during the country’s Cost of living Crisis.Due to the varying nature and progress of public policies and other related activity, MVA do advise that some of the information below may have changed since the time of its issue, and whilst every effort has been made to provide up-to-date details, they ask that readers please check with each organisation’s website for the latest news.
Octo Assist Fund from Octopus Energy
Specifically for Octopus Energy customers, the Octo Assist Fund is designed to help those worried about paying for their energy during the Winter.
Octopus Energy advise customers who are struggling with their bills should complete the supplier’s Financial Support form.
Octopus say this simple, online support form asks a series of questions about the customer’s financial situation.
The supplier can offer several support options based on circumstances and need, which can include access to existing schemes or monetary support from the fund.
At the time of writing, there was no recognised deadline, suggesting this is a Continuous Rolling Programme and applications could be accepted at any time.
More information is available from the Octopus website.
OVO Energy Fund (UK)
In support of OVO customers, the Fund is for energy users who have fallen behind with their payments to the energy supplier.
OVO state applicants must be in receipt of:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance, or
- Universal Credit (but only if not working)
Working in partnership with Citizens Advice Plymouth, OVO say they can help applicants review their budget and debts to provide a management plan for their energy.
At the time of writing, there was no specified deadline, suggesting this is a Continuous Rolling Programme and applications could be accepted at any time.
More information is available at the OVO website.
Scottish Power Hardship Fund
The Hardship Fund from Scottish Power aims to help those customers struggling to pay their bills due to low income or other circumstance.
Amongst other forms of help from the energy supplier, Scottish Power says the Fund can help by clearing or reducing arrears by crediting a customer’s energy account.
Scottish advise customers looking to apply should be in receipt of: Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Pension Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
At the time of writing, there was no identified deadline, suggesting this is a Continuous Rolling Programme and applications could be accepted at any time.
More details and how to apply can be found at the Scottish Power website.
Working to provide resources to support the charity sector achieve and succeed, The Charity Excellence Framework CIO (CEF) offer a growing list of further support for Small Businesses and Enterprise, Community Groups, Charities, and similar organisations nationwide
To find out more, visit their website.
MVA are also continuing their efforts to provide support and advice for the Charity Sector during these challenging times with their Reference Guide to Cost Cutting Measures, available in their Advice and Support pages.
If you would like to see coverage of specific news or subject to help your charity, your project, your community group or enterprise, you can get in touch by email at info@mva.org.uk, you can also contact MVA via the website.