Gas & Electric

Although the Government has provided some much needed help, for many it doesn’t go far enough and many families are already worrying about how they will cope with increased gas and electricity payments when the weather grows colder and that their already stretched budgets may reach breaking point.

If you find yourself in fuel crisis or have an energy debt you are struggling to manage, there is help at hand with advice and even grants or emergency fuel vouchers. To discover more visit the Fuel Bank Foundation here. Also contact your energy supplier directly to ask what support they may be able to offer you as this may include a meter boost to help you get back on your feet.

Water

 Additional bills, such as for Water could also be adding to money worries. For those in debt with their water meter, the WaterSure scheme (WaterSure Wales for those in Wales) may be able to help. To apply for the scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children. You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed. For more information click here 

Broadband and Mobile Phones

Our connection to the outside world is vital – to ensure that everyone can access a mobile and broadband, some providers offer social tariffs for those on certain  benefits – visit the Ofcom site here. There is also useful advice from Which.

General Help

The Household Support Fund is also available to help those people most in need of help and can be used for food, clothing and utilities. Distributed through local council’s the fund was originally launched in 2021 and has now been extended until September 4 2022 – so there’s not much longer left to apply. Find out more about HSF here.