A Cornwall-based entrepreneur has announced a ‘Robin Hood’ fund today in response to the Chancellor’s £400 energy bill rebate – asking those more fortunate to donate their money to be distributed to Britain’s poorest.
The #DonateTheRebate plea from Rob Love, who runs Crowdfunder, the biggest crowdfunding platform in the UK, comes after it was announced that the grant, funded by a windfall tax, is set to be given to every household with an energy bill.
This could include those on higher incomes such as the UK’s millionaires.
“For some, this rebate is a welcome income to help tackle the costs of living, which are going through the roof,” Rob told NeedToKnow.
“But for others, who are more financially secure, this is a nice bonus that they may not need.
“To put it plainly, if you’re a millionaire or super rich – as the Chancellor himself is – you don’t need this money.
“I know it’s difficult for the Government to roll this out on a means-tested basis in a short timeframe, which is where we’re hoping to step in.
“I’m asking anyone who wants to donate their money and who doesn’t need it to please join the #DonateTheRebate campaign to help those who are in dire situations.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their children or themselves, or whether or not to turn on the heating this winter.”
Crowdfunder will be working with leading charities, who will then distribute the fund to people they support.
The revelation that the £400 rebate may not be distributed proportionately to those in need has also angered social media users.
“Giving people earning a fortune £400 off the electric bill is so very Tory and could be spent so much better giving it to people who aren’t so rich,” commented one person.
“Is it £400 off every bill or adjusted for usage? so proportionally someone paying £3000 a year will get far less than someone paying £1000?” wrote one Twitter user.
A third person said: “Probably not possible to opt out but anyone who doesn’t need the £400 energy grant could donate it to a Good Cause of their choice.”
Others pointed out that bills are expected to balloon by £800 following an energy cap rise in October this year, meaning people will still feel the strain.
One person tweeted: “£400 grant instead of a loan in October when energy is expected to rise by £800. This isn’t enough. The problem needs tackled at the source. £650 for lowest earning households. What about working people that are struggling? This isn’t living.”
In the House of Commons earlier today, Sunak also shared plans to send one-off cost of living payments of £650 to those on the lowest incomes – a total of £5 billion.
Starting with pensioners and disabled people, the payments will be sent directly to bank accounts in two lump sums, with the first payment in July and the second in autumn.
Rob added: “This is an incredibly tough situation and everything that can be done must be done to help people.
“While we wait to hear what the Government will do in autumn and winter to further help ease the strain of costs of living, I will be donating my £400 to someone else.
“If you can do so as well, please do.”
Jo Cummings, energy support and advice expert, told NeedToKnow: “We very much welcome the government’s decision to increase the payment to £400, and also the decision to make this a grant, not a loan.
“The #DonateTheRebate campaign absolutely has our backing as it is important we look after each other.
“We aim to build a strong community and that includes looking after the most vulnerable. Campaigns like this will help people not have to make the decision whether they have to heat their homes or eat a hot dinner.
“If you are in the lucky position to be able to afford to donate your £400, please consider dong this and helping the campaign.”
Anyone who wants to donate their £400 rebate, can find more information on how to do so on the campaign website: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/donatetherebate
