Charities Face Winter Energy Pressures as Support Schemes Change

Charities providing services for people experiencing homelessness are encountering increased demand and changes to government energy support, according to recent records and statements.

One homelessness charity in Cornwall began its winter operations ahead of schedule, citing a rise in the number of individuals needing assistance during the colder months. In November, the charity supported 213 people, including 117 who were sleeping outdoors, reflecting the scale of need in the area.

Between 1 November and 13 December, the same charity reported that its winter service provided emergency accommodation for 33 people. During this period, all 165 available rooms were occupied, indicating full capacity for their emergency housing provision.

Homeless Link, together with other organisations, submitted a joint letter stating that from March, charities delivering high-energy-use services such as homelessness support will no longer be included in the government’s energy bill relief scheme. The letter highlighted the potential impact of this change on organisations that rely on substantial energy use to provide essential services during winter.

What the numbers show

• 213 people received help from a Cornwall charity in November
• 117 of those supported were sleeping rough that month
• All 165 rooms in the charity’s service were fully occupied between 1 November and 13 December

The early start to winter services by the Cornwall charity was attributed to increased demand, as indicated by the number of people seeking assistance. The charity’s ability to offer emergency accommodation was limited by the number of available rooms, all of which were in use during the initial weeks of winter.

The joint letter from Homeless Link and other charities outlined concerns about the exclusion of certain charities from future government energy support. According to the document, services with high energy requirements, including those addressing homelessness, will not be eligible for the relief scheme after March.

Charities that operate shelters and similar facilities often have higher energy needs during winter, particularly when providing accommodation and support to people without stable housing. The change in government policy was communicated through the joint letter, which was signed by multiple organisations in the sector.

Organisations involved in the joint letter stated that the upcoming policy change could affect the ability of charities to deliver high-energy-use services. The letter was intended to inform policymakers of the implications for service providers as winter energy costs remain a concern for the sector.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.