To clarify the previous article, it remains unclear whether liveaboard boaters without a home mooring are to be included in the Government Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. The National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) is still in discussion with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to clarify the position and how it will be assessed after BEIS requested its input in early December. With the involvement of boaters and supporters across the country, NBTA is attempting to steer the Government towards a £400 payment that truly includes all off-grid households, including itinerant liveaboard boaters, and that this is made available as soon as possible.
The NBTA along with other Travelling community organisations are continuing to campaign hard to make sure that itinerant liveaboard boaters are included in the scheme. Many in our community have been deeply anxious about keeping their boats warm this winter in the face of rising fuel costs, dismayed at a lack of clarity from the Government, and concerned at the prospect of being excluded from what is supposed to be a universal grant.
Tags: Bargee Traveller's Association, continuous cruising, cost of living, Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, Energy Bills Support Scheme, fuel costs, heating, liveaboards, Travelling communities