Home Energy Grant launched to help tackle rising bills

From Monday 14 November those working in or retired from the British horseracing or breeding industries can apply for a one-off £300 payment to go towards their home energy bills.

The Home Energy Grant has been launched in response to the increase in energy supply prices, to help racing staff cover their basic home energy needs during the winter months. It is specifically targeted towards meeting increased home energy costs for those living on or below the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Minimum Income Standard, though anybody working in or retired from the racing industry that is struggling to pay their home energy bills at this time is urged to come forward for support.

Commenting on the rising energy costs, Racing Welfare’s deputy head of welfare, Becky Ireland said: “This year we have seen a dramatic uptake in people seeking financial assistance compared with 2021. We expect this is due to the increase in cost of living we’ve seen, particularly in relation to energy costs, and all in addition to the financial pressures put on many during the pandemic from which people have had literally no time to recover.

“The increase of the energy price cap further deepens the crisis and will see many facing fuel poverty this winter. Thanks to funding from the John Pearce Foundation, Racing Welfare can provide vital assistance to those who might otherwise be struggling to heat and power their home over the winter. This support has clearly never been more needed. We urge anyone who is struggling with their home energy bills to pick up the phone or apply online for the £300 grant.”

Gemma came to Racing Welfare for financial assistance in 2021 when she found herself struggling with the cost of living, she was awarded a financial grant and said: “The grant was a great help, and it certainly lifted some of the weight from my shoulders – it’s a real cost of living crisis now.

“I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending anyone working in racing who is facing financial difficulty to speak to their local Welfare Officer about the help that is available.”

Read Gemma’s full story here

Find out more and apply for the Home Energy Grant here.