Concession on Alternative Fuel Payment receipts helpful but review needed – Carmichael

Following representations from Mr Carmichael, the minister responsible, Amanda Solloway MP revealed that people applying to the Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Fund can now provide up to ten receipts (which must collectively total over £200) for alternative fuels in order to claim the payment. Previously those attempting to claim could only submit up to two receipts totalling £200, which was virtually impossible for those buying solid fuel such as firewood in small amounts.

Those who believe that they have wrongly been excluded from the payment can now apply manually through https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic.

Mr Carmichael said:

“The implementation of the Alternative Fuel Payment has left much to be desired both in the fairness of delivery and in accessibility for people applying manually. This small concession is helpful as it will allow some who were buying fuel in smaller quantities to access the payment – and I would urge anyone who was previously unable to apply for this reason to put their application in.

“There is still much more the government must do. We need a proper review of the way this system was cooked up as the flaws in its implementation are leaving too many people confused and feeling unfairly left out. That we are now in spring with so many questions left unanswered about the scheme is utterly ridiculous.”