Energy / Prepayment meter users reminded to use vouchers before expiry
NORTHERN Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has reminded anyone on prepayment meters to cash in any unused alternative fuel payment (AFP) vouchers before they expire.
People on prepayment meters should have received vouchers around the same time as other families received payments as a direct credit in March, but the vouchers expire three months after issue – generally by the end of June.
The vouchers, which provide up to £400 off energy costs, can be redeemed at local post offices.
Recent figures showed that more than 83 per cent of vouchers have now been used – but there is £130 million still left to claim.
Carmichael said: “If you received an Alternative Fuel Payment voucher and have yet to cash it then now is the time. While I am sure that the majority of people on prepayment meters who received the voucher will have made use of it already, it is easy to put off this sort of thing, particularly with the extra hoop of having to cash it at a Post Office.
“Late is better than never – if you still have your voucher there is still time to made use of it.
“If you have had any issues in cashing your voucher then please do not hesitate to contact my office and we will do what we can to support.
“The way in which the government has implemented the AFP still bears further scrutiny. For now, however, the focus has to be on ensuring that everyone who is entitled to the payment can receive the funds before the deadline.”
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