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Cost of living support and advice

Get help and support with rising energy, food, housing costs, find out about local help and support available, including local groups and activities, food banks, financial support and debt advice.

Reducing bills and budgeting

Energy bill rebates, payments and discounts

If you are on low income, have a disability or are state pension age, it is worth checking to see if you are entitled to any of the following:

Warm Home Discount -

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.

If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.

You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

There are 2 ways to qualify:

  • If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
  • If you are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria.

Find out more on the Government website.

Winter Fuel Payment

Please Note eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment has changed.

On 9 September 2024, the UK Government changed the rules for eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment.

If you were born before 23 September 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits.

If you’re eligible, you should receive a letter in October or November - to find more information go to the Government web page.

And if you are not receiving Pension Credit, then you should act now to see if you are eligible – apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or you can telephone the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234

Warm Home Better Health

Free assessment – ‘Thinking Works’ provides local residents with free home assessments to help keep homes warm and provide advice on keeping well and healthy.

If you are a Kingston resident and have one or more of the following, you are eligible for this free service.

  • Aged 65 or over
  • Have a long-term condition such as diabetes
  • Have a low income, such as being in receipt of Universal Credit.

Find out more online, email enquires@thinkingworks.co.uk or call 0800 118 2327

How to Save Money on Utility Bills

Social Tariffs

Broadband and Mobile – Most of the major broadband and mobile providers have Social Tariffs available. OFCOM (the UK’s communications regulator) has a full list of broadband and phone social tariffs on its website.

Water – All water companies offer a social tariff for eligible customers. You can find the details for companies in England and Wales on the Consumer Council for Water website or by phone 0300 034 2222.

The CCW also offers guidance on reducing your water use, difficulty with bills and making a complaint.

Thames Water WaterHelp and WaterSure are schemes that can cut or cap your bill based on eligibility. WaterHelp could offer a discount of 50% on your bill and WaterSure is for those with a water meter and a large family or a water-dependent condition.

Energy Savings – trusted sites

The Energy Saving Trust – get trusted and independent advice on how to save money on your bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for tips on reducing your energy use, installing energy-saving home improvements and renewable energy systems, grants and financial support, and more.

The Energy Saving Trust also has information to help you save water and money at home. Visit their website to find out how.

Also check out GOV.UK energy saving tips and Money Saving Expert for advice on countering the cost of energy bills.

Managing your household budget

Knowing how much money you have coming in each month, and where you need to spend it, can help you to keep on top of all your household expenses and prepare for any unexpected extra costs.

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