Popular with retirees, park home living offers an alternative lifestyle for many who have long dreamed of a quieter, more rural home with like-minded neighbours.

Despite the seemingly idyllic nature of park home living, these households face challenges when it comes to keeping warm in the winter months. Incomes are generally low, reflecting a common reliance on state pensions and benefits. Residents are typically billed by the site owner for their electricity, rather than an energy supplier, and this disadvantages them further.

Whilst responsible site owners pass on the cost of electricity without a markup, this may be at a commercial supply rate which, with add-ons such as VAT, can end up being higher than the retail price cap. Additionally, over 2m homes in the UK receive a £150 Warm Home Discount rebate via a credit to their electricity account but without a direct energy supplier relationship, eligible park homes households do not automatically receive this critical support.

Charis has been running the Ofgem-initiated Park Homes Warm Home Discount Scheme for several years now, and in Scotland works closely with SCOPHRA (Scottish Confederation Park Home Residents Associations) to help spread the word about the existence of the scheme, and to support the application process.

“The Charis scheme was a real lifesaver for those that were eligible last year,” said Gordon Morrison, chairman of SCOPHRA. “Not only did many of our residents get that much needed £150, but they could also apply for additional winter warmth bundles and even brand new energy efficient white goods. With the winter fuel allowance being removed from so many, I fear there may be some residents who are forgotten and suffering unnecessarily.”

“SCOPHRA has a membership of about 1300 park home residents (both individually or through residents associations) across Scotland, but in reality there should be ten times that number,” continued Gordon.

Alongside his wife Vicki, who is the secretary for the Confederation, the couple have had their work cut out reaching many hundreds of residents and helping them understand if they are eligible for the £150 payment.

Charis client services director Jonathan Hunt feels that working alongside grassroots organisations such as SCOPHRA is crucial in ensuring that scheme delivery evolves and applauds the proactive nature of the Confederation in terms of lobbying awareness and support at the highest level.

Gordon is currently in communication with both housing minister Paul McLennan and First Minister John Swinney to ensure that park home residents’ rights and circumstances are acknowledged and considered when legislating for future hardship support.

“The Park Homes scheme is funded by the energy suppliers and this year it is EON Next, Utilita, OVO and Rebel Energy contributing,” said Jonathan Hunt. “Our challenge has always been letting eligible residents know that support is available. There are hundreds, if not thousands of vulnerable people who are potentially missing out on a much needed £150 boost to their winter heating bills. Gordon and Vicki have been instrumental in building awareness but there is still a long way to go.”

This year’s Park Homes Warm Home Discount is close to being fully allocated now, so it is more important than ever for potential beneficiaries to make their application. 

“Even when the scheme closes, it’s important that residents get in touch with SCOPHRA to ensure they can apply as early as possible when the 2025 scheme reopens next October,” added Gordon Morrison. “There are so many barriers to seeking financial support to help with fundamental cost of living necessities that we personally know many older people who have had to make the decision to not switch on their heating. If there is someone in this situation, they are probably eligible and shouldn’t be missing out.”