Energy payments of £150 are now available to park home and static caravan residents in Wiltshire.

The annual Park Homes Warm Home Discount Scheme run by Charis is now open.

Permanent park home and static caravan residents across England, Scotland, and Wales can apply for a £150 payment to help with their energy costs.

People can apply if they are permanently living in a park home, pay council tax, and either receive means tested government benefits or tax credits, or have a household income of less than £19,978.

There are an estimated 110,000 park home and static caravan residential addresses across England, Scotland, and Wales.

These residents, who pay site owners for their electricity usage, are often elderly and retired, and many have, in the past, missed out on financial support.

The Park Homes Warm Home Discount scheme means thousands of park home residents are receiving support, with the number receiving the £150 payment growing year on year.

The number of people supported by the Park Homes Warm Home discount grew to more than 5,000 last year, and with the funding secured for this year it is hoped the number of people to benefit could reach more than 6,000.

Many park homes and static caravans are poorly insulated, and residents often use older, energy-inefficient electrical appliances as they cannot afford to replace them, Charis said.

It added: "This means the £150 payment can be a lifeline for people and their families who otherwise may be spending the winter months at risk of cold home-related illnesses due to fuel poverty."

Charis director of client services, Jonathan Hunt, said: "Historically, park home residents have missed out on much needed financial support as a consequence of not knowing about the support available to them.

"The importance of the scheme to these households cannot be overstated.

"In 2015, Charis was approached by Ofgem to create a scheme to specifically help Park Home residents.

"With the Park Homes Warm Home Discount scheme now in its ninth year we are continuing to ensure these people are financially supported."

People who need help with making an application can ask for the help of a friend or relative, or contact the Charis customer support team during normal working hours.

Due to the limited nature of the funding, applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis, and once all funding is allocated, the scheme will be closed.