Government announces £100 energy payment for millions of English households

The UK Government has announced a £100 Household Energy Payment for eligible households in England, with payments due to begin in January 2027. The scheme will generally cover people living in properties within Council Tax bands A to D and is intended to help households manage energy costs.

Who will receive the £100 payment?

The new payment was confirmed as part of the Autumn Budget announcements on 28 October 2026.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, up to 20 million households could qualify.

Eligibility will generally depend on whether a household occupies a property in Council Tax bands A to D as its main residence and is responsible for the Council Tax.

Most households exempt from Council Tax are also expected to be included, although the Government says full eligibility details will follow.

Second homes and empty properties will not qualify.

The scheme applies to England. The devolved governments will receive additional funding and determine how comparable support should be provided in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Will households need to apply?

For eligible households paying Council Tax by Direct Debit, the Government says payments will be made automatically.

Those who do not pay by Direct Debit will be invited to apply through their local authority.

The Government has also warned residents to be cautious about messages claiming to offer access to the payment.

Anyone receiving an unexpected email, text message or telephone call should verify its authenticity directly with their council before sharing personal or banking information.

What about households outside Council Tax bands A to D?

The Government has announced an additional £100 million for local authorities to provide discretionary assistance to households that do not qualify for the standard payment.

Individual councils will determine eligibility and application arrangements.

Some households may also qualify for other support, including the Warm Home Discount.

Why does energy affordability matter for preparedness?

Energy preparedness is not solely about keeping the lights on during a power cut.

For many households, maintaining adequate heating and electricity throughout winter is also a financial challenge.

Having sufficient money available to meet essential bills can be just as important as owning emergency equipment.

A sensible household preparedness plan should therefore consider regular energy costs, emergency savings and practical ways to reduce unnecessary consumption.

It is also worth identifying which appliances and services would be essential during a prolonged interruption.

Prepper Weekly’s guide to keeping warm indoors without heating offers practical advice for maintaining warmth when normal heating is unavailable.

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: What the Autumn Budget 2026 means for energy bills. Published 28 October 2026.