Suitable evidence for ECO4 Flex referral routes

Evidence 

• Screenshot from the Local Authority confirming the household is within a Lower-layer Super Output Area (LSOA), supported by Office for National Statistics (ONS) data: ONS Postcode Directory look-up.

• Copy of council tax reduction eg a photo, an email, a PDF with name and address; or letter confirming reduction from Local Authority.

• Signed, referral letter from a Doctor / GP identifying that a person living at the premises is considered to be vulnerable to the cold and suffers from a health condition as stated in the NICE guidance: NG6, excluding the low income proxy (recommended). Or at least one of these non-exhaustive suggestions in written form, which may apply for other conditions/diseases etc in the NICE Guidelines (we recommend providing more for greater certainty):

o An NHS Summary Care Record provided it clearly states that the patient suffers from a health condition as stated in the NICE guidance or receives medication for the condition. The Summary Care Record must be authenticated with the GP practices stamp.

o People with cardiovascular conditions: hospital diagnosis letters, social worker referrals, copy of repeat prescriptions for child with asthma, or copies of referral letters to certain groups that help people with these conditions.

o People with disabilities: PIP, DLA or Attendance Allowance award notices.

o Older people (65 and older): birth, marriage certificate, passport, copy of bus pass, or pension statement.

o Households with young children (5 or under): birth certificate, school enrolment letter, or passport.

o Pregnant women: MAT B1 form to prove the householder was pregnant when the LA signed and issued the declaration.

Local Authorities can take a view on what is appropriate for how recent evidence must be at the point of application i.e. when Local Authorities send the declaration notification to Ofgem. For instance, if dated less than a year, annual allowances / awards are suitable.

• Signed letter from local coordinator / local authority that proves the household was eligible for a Local Authority-run scheme.

• Eligibility Checking Service (ECS), documentation showing eligibility for free school meals due to low-income provided by the Department for Education or from the school.

• Signed letter accompanied by proof of gas and electricity debt from the energy supplier or Citizens Advice, showing that the household has been referred to the Local Authority for support with their energy bills.

• PPM / non-PPM evidence (supplier provided data): Customer tariff data to indicate the customer's payment method.