VODG has responded to the Government's consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme from 2026/27, highlighting serious concerns about the scheme's adequacy in supporting disabled people.
While welcoming the Government's proposal to continue the scheme, VODG's response emphasises that continuation alone is not enough. The current design is falling short of what's needed by disabled people, with only 33% of fuel poor households receiving support—leaving 2.5 million households without help.
Commenting on the response, Sarah Woodhouse, Director of Policy at VODG, says:
'Disabled people face disproportionately high energy costs—not through choice, but need. The current scheme is leaving too many disabled people facing impossible choices between heating and other essentials.
'Our response calls for substantial improvements including expanding eligibility to include disability benefits, introducing disability top-up payments that reflect higher energy needs, and ring-fenced funding within Industry Initiatives specifically for disabled people. We also emphasise that the energy transition must not leave disabled people behind—transitional support must be built in from the outset.'
VODG's response was developed drawing on the expertise and experience of member organisations supporting over 1 million disabled people across England, and our networks, including the Disability Poverty Campaign Group.
The consultation closed on 20 November 2025.