Following a string of measures aimed at addressing rising energy costs, the Government is understood to be poised to enter into a multi-million pound deal to encourage benefits claimants to partake in micro-generation schemes for local services.
Observers say the inter-departmental collaboration will see the ‘ReGenR8’ scheme project enter a deal with an as yet un-named indoor training provider to deliver static bikes to high energy usage locations such as schools and public swimming pools. These will be connected to micro-generation facilities, turning the pedalling into power. Benefits claimants we be expected to undertake a minimum of 1hr40min of pedalling per week, but can earn additional benefits if they pedal for longer.
Official modelling by government departments suggests that the scheme could reduce energy bills by as much as 14%, depending on the effort put in by the participants, who it’s understood will be known as ‘Rishi’s Riders’. Riders who achieve higher than average watts will be rewarded with entry into a monthly prize draw where they can win luxury items such as a hot tub or duck house. All participants will be given a biscuit and a cup of tea after each stint on the bikes. Medals bearing the scheme’s slogan ‘Pedalling For Power‘ will be awarded to those who move on to paid work.
Luckily, with some indoor training providers struggling after the lockdown boom, it’s expected that the bikes will be procured at a competitive price, at a cost in the region of £1.4 million per site. Over the life of the bikes this is expected to be offset by energy cost savings, as well as improving the health outcomes of local benefits claimants.
‘It’s a win-win-win’ said a Government spokesman. ‘Local authorities, get to reduce their energy costs for essential local services, benefits claimants get to contribute to society, and all the exercise they get will reduce the burden on the NHS. It’s a great opportunity for these modern times when activity can be so hard to achieve. These indoor bikes will keep people safely away from our dangerous roads and fragile countryside.’
Rishi’s Riders will be a keystone policy in the government’s Levelling Up agenda, which aims to give the appearance of creating opportunities for everyone in the UK, while simultaneously ensuring the richest in our society can continue to contribute to the trickle down economy that is so vital to the smooth functioning of democratic functions.
‘Practically speaking, I think it’s a brilliant idea’ said Surbiton-Upon-Sea MP, and micro-generation investor, Julian Balliol-Smithers. ‘The unemployed can be put to good use, for the benefit of our society. Fitness and good health are a civic duty, and this scheme will ensure that those who are unemployed do not sit idle in their drawing rooms.’
Although the scheme will initially only be open to the unemployed, it’s understood that talks are underway to enable pensioners to top up their pensions through access to the scheme. ‘Due to unforeseen and unavoidable economic circumstances, many pensioners in the UK are finding their pension fund value has fallen. Taking part in the ReGenR8 scheme will help our pensioners stay active while also making up the shortfall in their living standards’, explained Balliol-Smithers.
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