Looks as though my mum might be forced down the smart meter route.
'Forced'? No reason not to willingly accept one, unless you are one of the 'cooking foil hat brigade'. Way past the time when they ought to have mandated smart meters for everyone.
On an energy website it states if you don't opt for a smart meter, your heating 'might end up being on 24/7.' This isn't possible for mum as she essentially switches it on/off via a fused spur, so when it's off it's off off.
Which basically means, paying full rate/no discount for off-peak use, unless a Smart Meter is fitted. You know it makes sense, or ought to...