Man gets £150 towards energy bills in cost of living and says 'it's simple'

Nick Flatters, 60, told the Sun newspaper he managed to bag the money off his energy bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

A man has claimed “it’s simple” as he managed to get £150 towards energy bills through a straightforward process. Nick Flatters, 60, told the Sun newspaper he managed to bag the money off his energy bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

Flatters, 60, assumed the Warm Home Discount would be paid into his account automatically after moving into a park home in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire. But by the time he realised he actually had to apply, it was too late.

“Once I realised my mistake and researched how to apply through the Charis website, it was a simple process,” he said. “I feel that there is a discrepancy between park homes and traditional homes that should not be there.

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“It is particularly challenging for older, less computer literate residents who might not have the digital know how to not just find out the information, but actually make the application. As chairman of our residents association, I’m surprised at how many people are still not aware of how to apply.”

Charis says: “As the go-to trusted administrator for the fund, we are able to work between suppliers, Ofgem and the energy department in Government, BEIS, to support vulnerable people whilst still meeting regulatory goals.

“We work with each supplier to define, and shape, the exact components of the end-to-end WHD programme that they need support with. For over a decade we have continually innovated our service to suppliers but always maintained our commitment to the high levels of customer care and support we focus on. We have provided £50m in support to customers annually and process 28k applications per year.”

“Our relationships with some of the largest energy companies have stretched back over many years and we are proud to be the ‘go to’ trusted partner. On a practical level we have helped shape how WHD projects and funds are delivered and have exceeded all regulatory targets, but I believe it’s our ability to absolutely understand the vulnerability of the end client base and our empathetic and compassionate approach that sets us apart,” said Allyson Broadhurst, Senior Board Director of Charis.