Cutting your fuel bills
If you are struggling to pay your fuel bills, contact your energy suppliers in the first instance. Most offer reduced tariffs for low-paid or vulnerable people and some suppliers will also provide energy-saving bulbs.
Consumer Direct offers advice if you are struggling to pay your fuel bills, or are in debt with a fuel supplier.
Help is available to residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and therefore cutting your fuel bills. Call the local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512012 for free energy saving advice and to find out about grants, discounts and other sources of help available to you. The Energy Saving Trust have the most up to date information on grant schemes such as Warm Front and Warm Streets which will help lower your fuel costs by helping you to insulate your home, and the new Boiler Scrappage Scheme helps towards the cost of replacing an inefficient 'G' rated boiler.
Claiming your winter fuel payments
If you’re aged 60 or over you may get a Winter Fuel Payment to help pay for keeping warm in winter.
If you are already in receipt of a state pension or other welfare benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions, you will automatically receive the payment. If not, you will need to make a claim. The amount you will qualify for depends on your circumstances. The payments are made annually.
For more information call the winter fuel payment helpline 08459 151 515 or visit DirectGov.