Continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme
This consultation is open for responses
Respond to this consultationSummary
The consultation proposes to continue the Warm Home Discount scheme beyond its March 2026 expiry, maintaining support for around 6 million households through winter 2030/31. The scheme provides annual discounts on electricity bills funded through supplier obligations that socialise costs across all consumers.
Why it matters
This is redistributive policy that treats symptoms of expensive energy rather than addressing supply constraints or market structure. The consultation maintains an existing cross-subsidy mechanism without reform to the underlying cost drivers that create fuel poverty.
Key facts
- •Current scheme expires 31 March 2026
- •Proposed continuation until winter 2030/31
- •Covers approximately 6 million households
- •26 consultation questions on scheme design
Timeline
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
The Warm Home Discount Scheme has been a key policy in the government’s approach to tackling fuel poverty and reducing the energy costs of low-income and vulnerable households ever since its inception in 2011. This consultation aims to secure the continuation of support for around 6 million households for winter 2026/27, and into the next scheme period until 2030/31, after current regulations expire on 31 March 2026. This consultation sets out the government’s proposals for the new scheme period and is gathering feedback from stakeholders on: * the design of the core elements of the scheme * options for the next scheme period in Scotland * proposals to change the administration of the scheme * a call for evidence on Industry Initiatives * a call for suggestions for future improvements during the next scheme period We're seeking views particularly from energy suppliers, Warm Home Discount recipients, and consumer groups and charities with an interest in fuel poverty to inform the design of the new scheme period from winter 2026/27. All responses will be considered, and the government will lay regulations in time to ensure the scheme is in place for the next scheme period, commencing winter 2026/27. You can view the PDF version of the consultation document here: [www.gov.uk/government/consultations/continuing-the-warm-home-discount-scheme](http://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/continuing-the-warm-home-discount-scheme). The consultation contains a total of 26 questions.