Barnet households to receive £100 energy payment as winter bills surge
The 2023 Budget adds a £100 rebate for council‑tax bands A‑D, removes the gas standing charge and extends the electricity VAT cut, affecting roughly two million London homes including Barnet.
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Barnet Council confirmed that the 2023 Budget will deliver a £100 rebate to homeowners whose properties fall in council‑tax bands A, B, C or D. The payment will be transferred straight into eligible bank accounts during the spring, according to reporting by the South West Londoner.
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The Treasury estimates the scheme will cover about two million households across London, with the £100 credit applied to the next energy bill. Eligibility is tied to council‑tax band, not income, meaning any property in bands A‑D qualifies regardless of the occupants’ earnings. The payment is part of a broader package that also removes the gas standing charge, a move Chancellor John Healey said would give families "breathing space". Healey’s comments were reported by the South West Londoner.
A £100 cost‑of‑living payment is a gesture, not a material difference.
Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action
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National Energy Action’s chief executive Adam Scorer told the South West Londoner that the £100 credit "is a gesture, not a material difference" and warned it will not keep homes warm for many families. Independent Age’s policy director Morgan Vine added that older people on low incomes are already cutting back on essentials and risk facing cold homes. Age UK chief executive Paul Farmer echoed the concern, saying pensioners will need further help.
Rising costs and additional budget measures
Energy analysts expect the average household bill to hit £2,192 in January, a 72% increase from October 2021. The Treasury spokesperson explained that the £100 payment is only one element of the support package, which also includes £100m for discretionary aid and an extension of the zero‑rate VAT on electricity to 30 June 2027. The spokesperson said the VAT extension should reduce the April price cap by about £50.
Barnet residents do not need to apply for the rebate; the payment will be automatically credited based on council‑tax records. The council will inform households of the exact date once the Treasury finalises the payment schedule. Charity groups urge the local authority to monitor the impact and consider additional assistance for those whose energy needs exceed what the £100 credit can cover.
Questions this report answers
+Who will receive the £100 energy payment in Barnet?
Homeowners in Barnet whose properties are in council‑tax bands A, B, C or D will automatically receive a £100 credit on their next energy bill. The payment is deposited directly into their bank accounts without the need for an application.
+How much are energy bills expected to rise by January?
Energy bills are projected to reach £2,192 in January, representing a 72% increase from the level recorded in October 2021. The rise reflects higher wholesale costs and market volatility.
+What other budget measures aim to ease energy costs?
The budget removes the gas standing charge, saving households roughly £100 a year, and extends the reduced VAT rate on electricity, which should cut bills by about £50. Additional discretionary support of £100 million is also earmarked for those not covered by the rebate.
+What have charities said about the £100 payment?
Charity leaders, including Adam Scorer of National Energy Action and Morgan Vine of Independent Age, argue the £100 credit is insufficient for vulnerable households. They warn that many families will still struggle to keep homes warm and call for longer‑term, income‑based assistance.
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