With other sector partners we've written to government to call for the energy relief for charities to be extended beyond March, when it is currently due to end.
The Autumn Statement gave little support to community organisations working on the ground to support their communities through the winter. The cost of living crisis means massive demand for help from local people, but also increases in the cost of energy, staffing, fuel and food. Two out of three charities now say they will have to restrict access to their services, cut services, or close altogether because of rising costs. The loss of these vital organisations and their services is a cost our communities cannot bear.
Locality has been working with members and sector partners to try to persuade the government to:
- Continue the energy bill cap for community organisations beyond March 2023, the current end of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme
- Provide emergency grants for frontline community organisations now
- Develop an energy efficiency programme for community buildings to bring down long-term costs.
Today we wrote a joint letter to the Minister to urgently call for the extension of the Energy Bill Relief scheme for voluntary and community sector organisations. The government is currently deciding what organisations should get more help, and we believe we have a strong argument to make, but now we need your help.
Please email your MP to tell them what the impact will be if the government does not provide more support.