Residents are gradually starting to receive heating bills for January, when Latvia experienced severe frosts. Many with a heavy sigh admit — the bills hit hard on the family budget... Meanwhile, the government continues to seek ways to support those for whom the bills may become an unbearable burden through housing assistance, reports TV3 News.
This January will be remembered as one of the coldest in recent years: prolonged frosts, sub-zero temperatures even during the day, and heating that in many places worked without interruption. Therefore, in February, people open their bills for January without illusions, but with a heavy sigh. The question is no longer whether they will be large, but how large they will be.
Residents surveyed by TV3 News noted that the sharply increased bills will force them to reconsider their family budget.
"About 200 euros for a three-room apartment. (TV3: And in percentage terms — how much higher is the bill compared to previous months?) In December it was 130 euros, but I turned it off at night. I saved. And in January — I heated day and night. What, daughter, is there to say? Well, it's hard, it's hard. (TV3: How do you plan to pay? Will someone help?) I live with my daughter, but I pay myself," says resident Mara.
"No, I don’t like such bills. (TV3: So it’s still more?) Twice as much — it was 90 euros, now it’s already 170. Yes, significantly more. I was surprised, I didn’t expect such a bill," says Ilonda.
"The frost is felt, the frost is felt... Since the heating is based on electricity, the bill is very 'beautiful'," notes one of the surveyed residents.
Another pensioner in a conversation with TV3 says: "Whatever it will be — it will be. I will try to manage without debts. (TV3: Maybe you will try to apply for assistance?) No, no... I have no benefits. (TV3: Will you try to pay yourself?) Of course, yes! That’s what a 'wealthy' pensioner is for, what is there to say. If it’s 300 euros — it will be 300. Last month it was 200 euros."
Many families may find it difficult to cover heating expenses. Minister of Welfare Reinis Uzulnieks (SCP) proposed increasing the coefficient in the calculation of housing assistance, urging the government to allocate an additional 10 million euros to support vulnerable groups of the population.
"Single pensioners, people with disabilities, and large families. Overall, this could be about 4,000 residents who will be eligible for this assistance," lists Uzulnieks.
Last year, 30,000 people received housing assistance in Latvia. If the coefficients are increased, the number of recipients could reach 34,000. The minister proposes to introduce changes in the calculations of housing assistance from January to the end of April.
"The guaranteed minimum income in the country is 187 euros. If there are three people in the family, the amount is multiplied by three and then again by the increased coefficient. A single pensioner with two family members — this amount is 550 euros, and if after paying the bill less than this amount remains, one can apply for assistance," explains Uzulnieks.
Housing assistance can be granted even without the status of needy or low-income. In case of difficulties in paying housing expenses, it is recommended to contact the local social service. Meanwhile, in some municipalities, no penalty interest will be charged for late utility payments until the established deadline.
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