Citizens Advice issues warning over renters missing out on £400 energy grant

Citizens Advice has issued a warning for more than half a million people across the UK who may miss out on the government's financial support to help pay energy bills, with the cash going to their landlords instead.

The independent organisation estimated that one in eight people who rent from a private landlord may not receive the benefit of the support that is meant to provide a discount on their energy bills. As a result, up to 585,000 people could be missing out on much-needed cash.

Tenants whose landlords manage their bills are locked out of the £150 warm home discount and they may also not see the £400 energy grant promised by the government from October. No guidance has been issued on how landlords should manage the money, while no legal requirement has been put in place for them to pass it on to their tenants.

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Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the £400 energy grant as part of a package of new measures aimed at easing the cost of living crisis last month. The £6 billion announcement of universal support replaces an initial plan for a £200 loan, with Mr Sunak scrapping the requirement to repay the money.

“With the price of energy at a record high, it’s vital that government support reaches the people it’s intended for,” said Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty. “We’re worried that many tenants are falling through the cracks, putting them at risk of missing out on money to help them with soaring bills."

He added: "Renters must be able to take control of their energy payments if they want to, so they can get all the support they need. The government should also bring forward clear guidance for