Energy bills support scheme privacy notice

Who are we and what do we do?

In November 2022, Central Government announced the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding to target households who are responsible for paying for energy used in their primary dwelling as part of a service charge, rent, or other agreement.

The administration of the scheme requires data collection by the Department for Energy, Security and Net-Zero (DESNZ), and information sharing with Local Authorities.

The role of the Council in this scheme is to ensure the applicant resides in the accommodation for which they are claiming and that the bank account details provided are those of the applicant.

If you have questions about this privacy notice you can write to us at:

Revenues and Benefits Service

London Borough of Waltham Forest

PO Box 856

London

E17 9PN

Information we hold about you

Where relevant to do so and appropriate we may process the following information about you:

Name
Date of birth
Email
Home address
Bank account
Proof of residency
Proof of accommodation charges

Why we need your information and how we use it?

The processing and use of your personal data are required in order to verify that you are a resident in an accommodation that falls within the parameters of the scheme. In order to confirm the residency and care funding of applicants the Revenues and Benefits department will obtain information from records held by the Adult Social Care service.

We may also use your personal data for the prevention or detection of fraud/crime or research in this area.

The Lawful basis for the processing

The information is necessary for the performance of our public task. We will only ask for personal information that is appropriate and proportionate to enable us to perform the administration, delivery, reporting, monitoring, evaluating of the Scheme, as well as in connection with fraud prevention, and pre- and post- payment assurance and financial management activities to be undertaken in connection with the Scheme.

Who your information will be shared with (if applicable)

The Council will provide weekly payment reports to the Department for Energy, Security, and Net-Zero. These will be top line figures which will not include any applicant level information.

How long we will keep your information

We will retain your information for a minimum of 7 years.

Our Data Protection Officer

Our Data Protection Officer is Mark Hynes. You can contact him by email at data.protectionofficer@walthamforest.gov.uk

Protecting your information

Please see the relevant section of the Corporate Privacy Notice.

Your information choice and rights