#Experts in the Media: CAF's Neil Heslop discusses the UK's Energy Bill Discount Scheme

This week an article in the publication Third Sector laid out the concerns many across the charity and giving sectors are feeling regarding the upcoming Energy Bill Discount Scheme that was announced 9 January 2023.

Neil Heslop, in his role as CEO of Charities Aid Foundation, was contacted about the topic and offered his expert opinion on what organisations may likely face when the scheme is put in place.

Sector leaders call for clarity and a long-term plan, amid fears the reduced support will shut down some organisations.

Voluntary sector leaders have reacted with a mixture of confusion, concern and fear for the future after digesting the much-reduced Energy Bill Discount Scheme unveiled yesterday.

The new scheme, which pledged £5.5bn in energy costs relief between April 2023 and the end of March 2024, includes all charities that are on a business energy tariff.

But leading members of the voluntary sector expressed concern over the lack of clarity.

Neil Heslop, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said it was “disappointing” that the government had not announced targeted support for charities in the scheme.

He said: “More and more people are relying on charity services, but they are stretched beyond measure with inflation increasing their costs and their donations falling.

“Their finances are on a knife-edge even with the existing scheme, so organisations are relying on their reserves to cover core costs or cutting back on services.

“Many charities are running out of options to continue to provide for the vulnerable in our communities.”

The full article is below and well worth reading.  If you are a journalist looking to know more or cover the impact charities have in the UK, then let our experts help with your stories.

Neil Heslop is the Chief Executive of Charities Aid Foundation, a leading charity operating in the UK and internationally. He is available to speak with media about how the reduction in donations is impacting those most in need and how we can work to reverse this trend across the UK and globe.

To arrange an interview simply click on Neil's icon now to arrange a time to talk today.