To think some might spend £650 energy payment on other things?

[Hemklop]

I'm prepared to get flamed here, as I know the benefits system is a touchy subject.

However, I was just wondering whether many people will not use the £650 lump sum payment for it's true purpose, given that it's the summer holidays and there are lots of temptations to spend on other things.

These people then won't be any better off when it comes to the winter?

and some arnt because even if it does go towards it .. it doesn't really help does it?

@Randomthoughts992 Of course it does. We're getting a large amount of money towards our electric bill that we otherwise wouldn'tve had. And next time they decide how much benefits will be, it'll be adjusted to help cover the increased costs.

That’s gawjus hun. 😍

I think I’ll get something inspirational for the kids

😂😂😂

I spend my winter heating grant on CAKE, just think how much CAKE I will be able to afford, with the cost of living payment.😋

So you're not paying some of your bills and are using the money designed to help pay said bills on childrens toys

Christ

So what if she is? Seriously what is it to you?!
They say all bills are paid, and so buying things for the kids.
Big deal
They're obviously entitled to the money.
I aren't but I'm not begrudging anyone else getting it.

"Energy payment"? It was a cost of living payment, to help with bills. Nowhere does it say it had to go on engery.

That poster literally said some bills won't be paid but so what

Maybe read properly next time

So we are already 8 pages in and the OP has not returned….make of that what you will.

Yes....aren't we all!

just another 'wind 'em up, let 'em go'
thread.

"Energy payment"? It was a cost of living payment, to help with bills. Nowhere does it say it had to go on engery.

@TigerRag I think Rishi did say at some point that it was mainly to help with electric, part of a package of measures designed to help everyone, because electricity is the outgoing that's gone up most noticably. Or at least, that was the implication.

I don't think the OP is thinking about people who spend the money on food, school uniforms and essentials.

I had a friend who had money issues. She'd pop round and say "DD's school shoe broke last night, could I borrow £20 so I can get her another pair."
Never minded one bit.

But then I'd find that what actually happened was they went out to get the shoes and she saw that Pizza Hut had an offer on so that meant that all three of them could eat for £18 and they hadn't eaten at Pizza Hut for so long... She'd then borrow the £20 for shoes from someone else.... and might well spend that on something else too.

It probably was 2 times out of 3 she spent the money given for essentials on something that she didn't need.

Now if she'd come to me and said she'd seen this offer and could I lend her £20 so they could go, I would have been happy to lend the money for that, so that isn't the point.
The point was that when her money came in at the end of the month she then had £40 or £60 to pay back rather than £20. So every month she had less and less money to start with. She just had no resistance to buying things when money was in her hand.

And I think what the OP is thinking is similar. I don't care, and nor will the government if people getting the money use it to buy essentials. I don't care, and nor do the government if they use it to buy luxuries. But what will be the issue is if someone spends it on going to Pizza Hut and then still has to borrow the money to pay the bills later. They're in no better position than if they didn't get the money except having had their Pizza Hut meal! The point of the money is to give people a better chance.

Also locally we have a charity that gives grants for essentials, and that includes heating grants. It used to be you applied and got the money. So they'd work out how much a (eg) decent fridge was and transfer that amount of money to the person. For fuel, it was a set amount. Then they started doing follow up calls and found that not infrequently the money hadn't been spent on what it had been given for. Problem was, that then put the charity in difficulties with the charity commission because you have a responsibility to make sure the charity funds are spent on the right things.
So they changed to ordering the items, or, in the case of fuel bills, paying it directly. Now this was actually often better for the client because they would pay the whole outstanding amount rather than just a lump sum that might not cover it. Also with appliances they'd make sure they were good makes and were installed correctly.
The number of applications for both dropped dramatically, despite it actually overall being better for people, which they were quite shocked about.

I don't know the right answer here. But I'd like to see money managing as a subject done in school. Showing people how a small loan can turn into a large one, how to budget, how to choose what to spend your money on. And how to try and avoid going into debt, and where to get help, and advice if you do.
I'd also like to see the government get a handle on the energy companies that are churning out massive profits and sticking the prices up.
That would make more difference.

Do you mean the cost of living payment? It really does not have to spend on energy. It can be used for other things.

I know people who got it in July and it's been spent on uniform for the new term for their kids or just feeding their kids in the holidays it entertaining them. It's for exactly what the name says - cost of living payment.

we are still on tax credits and if we get it in the autumn as they say, it will likely go on a new oven as ours desperately needs replacing as can't buy spare parts anymore and maybe keep some for Christmas and then the rest will be on bills.

not every person on benefits is a scrounger. In fact, a huge proportion of families on uc work, it's just a top up due to poorly paid wages in this country. People are too quick to judge.

my partner earns 30 grand a year and we still get some tax credits.

I have had a relative moan at me this week, saying how she works so hard and it's unfair that she won't get the COL payment like we might in tax credits. I get her point somewhat but in her case I kindly reminded her she's been on 3 holidays this year when most people are skint.

I understand where the op is coming from, people who are struggling may use it to pay the loudest debtor or a less essential debt (with angrier debt collectors). But other really good uses might be to buy warm clothes, or electric throws, or electric blankets for beds. People may choose different ways of reducing their heating bills with this money

That poster literally said some bills won't be paid but so what

Maybe read properly next time

What does it matter? my bills are still getting paid, and some arnt because even if it does go towards it .. it doesn't really help does it?*

Sorry, yes just reread!
Still can't get worked up over anyone wanting to buy their children things if they don't usually have much chance to.

Probably the most ridiculous thread I’ve seen.

If I was getting it, I’d deliberately spend it on booze and fags and parade that fact around just to infuriate people like you.

And I don’t even drink or smoke.

As i understand it it is a cost of living payment not necessarily an energy payment.Everyone whether on benefits or not will be getting another £400 in October to help towards their gas and electric bills.I think i have got that right.

Exactly, you don't need to put the money on your heating bill to reduce your heating bill. Pay the gas and you still have to next month, buy hot water bottles or an electric blanket, warm clothing and bedding, and you can reduce bills for years.

Caffeine - my primary foodstuff 😄
Mostly in black coffee but also in various teas.

Those of you planning to save some of the money towards higher winter bills, make sure you put it in a Help to Save account.

You can take the money out whenever you want but after a year or two you get a bonus equal to 50% of the highest balance while the account was open.

Having this money now might mean your cash flow is improved a little and you can afford to save a little even if you couldn't before.

I get tax credits so I'll get this payment in autumn. Obviously it'll go on booze and cigarettes, duh.

@MargaretThursday and @the80sweregreat

Why focus on the few who do so? Course there will be people that take the mick. There always will be but there are so so many people who don't take the mick and actually need this payment. So why focus on the minority and make those who need it feel bad? Just why?

Would you rather the government didn't bother because some people are ' feckless'. Also even if they are as a pp say the money is going straight back into the economy which is what the government want. Just the oil moving in the machine.

You are focusing on the wrong thing.

I used half of my first payment to buy a second hand sofa. It beats sitting on the floor. The other half I'll be buying my daughters school uniform with. I am currently £220 in credit. I don't imagine it will go very far but it is what it is.

Probably missed this but, have scrolled through most of the thread- is everyone entitled to the £650?

Thinking I've missed something somewhere

That amount would almost cover 3 months of gas & electricity....well, before the "cap" gets increased in October

Whatever this money is spent on, ultimately it will end up in the pockets of the Energy suppliers.

I really don't know why we are not part nationalising the energy industry, inc NS gas and wind/solar energy just as we did with the banks.

Atm we are just handing money to the very companies that least need it.

Yes mine went towards the extra summer holiday childcare I need to continue to work despite also having universal credit. I am beyond grateful for it's timing because I am drowning despite working.
What would you suggest I spent it on?