NCF Members' Briefing 27.2.23

Details from the latest NCF Members' Briefing 27.2.23

Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding

Following the early launch of the portal for individuals to apply for funding a press release has been issued and a number of documents circulated. The scheme is open until 31 May 2023.

Please note the information about avoiding fraud when communicating about this application portal. We believe the application process may prove complicated for many of the people you support, so they are going to need some help to complete the online portal. Please also note that the money goes directly to the individual, not the provider. We have raised concerns about this with government, but they have refused to change direction.

Eligibility

  • Subject to applications meeting full requirements, households who will be able to receive support through the EBSS AF include:

    • care home residents and others in care facilities/sheltered accommodation (wholly or partly self-funded

    • park home residents, houseboats and caravans that can provide proof of address

    • social and private tenants who pay for energy through a landlord on a commercial supply

    • homes on a heat network/private wire

    • off-grid home

    • farmhouses used for wholly domestic purposes

Please note that according to the portal website, if an individual lives in a care home where all their fees are paid by the local council or NHS, they are not eligible for support via EBSS AF.

Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund

It would appear the portal to apply for this has been delayed and will be live by 6 March 2023. The press release also contains information about this. This scheme is for households who use alternative fuels as their main source of heating who do not have a direct relationship with the energy supplier.

Social Housing Managers Mandatory Qualification

In a press release today, DLUHC has said they will introduce an amendment to the Social Housing (Regulations) Bill which will require professional qualifications for social housing managers. They will be required, if the Bill passes, to have an appropriate level housing management qualification regulated by Ofqual equivalent to a Level 4 or Level 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Samara Lewis