The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding – a grant of £400 against the cost of living crisis to help with fuel bills – went live for the UK last Thursday (in advance of what was meant to be the launch on 27th February).
In spite of extensive efforts by all boater organisations, and even Canal & River Trust, to get liveaboard boaters, both with and without a mooring included in the scheme, we have been specifically excluded. Boat dwellers can only apply if they live on a boat with a “Permanent residential mooring licence”. It is not clear whether that includes all liveaboard boaters with a permanent mooring, or not – a mooring could be described as “residential” if you are using it as your residence, as well as if it has planning consent for residential use.
Boat dwellers eligible for Legal Aid are now recommended to take the Government to court as this is a clear case of discrimination. The National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) has published an information sheet on what to do next and can signpost people who are interested in legally challenging their exclusion from the scheme.
You can download the information sheet here NBTA information on Energy Bills Support Scheme 27th Feb 2023
Tags: Bargee Traveller's Association, continuous cruising, cost of living, Energy Bills Support Scheme, fuel costs, heating, liveaboards, welfare