As the temperature drops again and Parliament breaks for their winter recess, the NBTA is continuing to campaign hard to make sure that itinerant liveaboard boaters are included in the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS-AF). Many within our community have been deeply anxious about keeping their boats warm this winter in the face of rising fuel costs, dismayed at a lack of clarity from the government, and concerned at the prospect of being excluded from what is supposed to be a universal grant.
To clarify our previous statement, it remains unclear whether boaters without a home mooring are to be included in the EBSS-AF. We remain in live discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to clarify their position and how it will be assessed after BEIS requested our input in early December. With the involvement of boaters and supporters across the country, we are attempting to steer the government towards a £400 payment that truly includes all off-grid households, including itinerant boaters, and that this is made available as soon as possible.
If you are interested in joining the campaign and hearing the most up-to-date developments as we continue to consult with BEIS, please email secretariat@bargee-traveller.org.uk