General Chat

Even better!

...but ridiculous that it's needed. :-|

Not necessarily maggie. As I read it it's for people with chronic diseases who can't afford to heat their homes sufficiently to keep well out not need be admitted to hospital.

So this would be for people who, for instance, have dialysis at home.- which releases a hospital bed, and the fuel bill of the hospital.

That's what I said Florence :-0 :-)

Ah yes Andysmum, your explanation makes it clearer and I understand it better.
So it would be only available to those that qualify with certain conditions which would keep them out of hospital?

Gotcha

It works because the cost of paying a fuel bill for someone is a fraction of what it costs to treat the same person in hospital. It gives them a life out of bed, frees up a hospital bed for someone and reduces the workload on GP's. Plus a lot of other benefits, all explained in detail in the article.

Florence, as I read it, it isn't for the unemployed who are at home all day.
It's for people who have conditions which are affected by cold and would see them admitted to hospital. I assume there would be a means test?
Perhaps having their bills paid by the NHS (if that's how it works) is more economical than hospital care - not to mention bed blocking and actually avoiding distress for the patient and dependant family.

I read about this just recently but cannot see how it wouldnt affect all of us???
I mean, heating on prescription, so who will pay for it? The over stretched cash strapped NHS?

Wouldn't it be wonderful but I just don't know how it would work? During the winter my toes go purple as I have no feeling in them but I have some wide fluffy mules I can get on so keeps my feet warm.

But how would you distinguish between the cost of heating your home and say normal cooking use and appliances etc?? As your gas and electric dont break down what you spend each unit on, how can your whole bills just get paid?

I just don't get it or am I being a complete numpty?

Those that are severely disabled and need machines etc for their health conditions would already get the highest amount DLA/PIP. So would it apply to those at home all day who are unemployed?

Florence in the hebrides :-S :-S

I agree - a really sensible idea.

I read about this earlier - I hope they roll it out across the whole country.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63707689