Continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme

Overview

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.

The consultation contains a total of 26 questions.