Affordable Warmth
Cold and damp homes, which are inadequately heated and insulated, have repeatedly been linked to ill health and early deaths amongst the most vulnerable people in society. Cold and damp homes can lead to children losing days at school. This can affect their examination results and put them at a disadvantage in their future lives.
A person may be fuel poor if they are below average income and have higher that average heating costs to meet their needs. There is no single cause of fuel poverty; it arises from a combination of 3 main factors. These are low household income, poor heating and thermal insulation standards to properties and high fuel costs.
The good news is that there are many schemes in place that can support people to insulate their homes, get advice on the cheapest electricity and gas provision and better understand how much energy they are using.
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
How easily do you find it to keep your home warm, particularly in cold/winter periods?
How easy or difficult is it for you to afford your energy bills?
If you find it difficult, have you ever had any advice on how you can reduce them?
Are you aware of the schemes that exist to keep your home from losing the heat you use?
Did you know that your local council may be able to provide free support and advice on how you can cut the cost of heating your home depending on your circumstances?
Assist
Did you know that you may be able to save money on your energy bills* just by switching your gas and electricity supplier (or asking your current supplier if you are on their cheapest rate) - particularly if you haven't switched supplier in the last 2 years, would you like some information on this?
* Average saving estimated by OFGEM as £158 by switching to the cheapest deal on the market (From HM Government, A simple guide to accessing help and information 'Helping consumers with energy)
Did you know that you can check if you are entitled to any support towards making your home more energy efficient, would you like some further information on this?
Act
Self Care
Register for priority service from your energy supplier
You might be able to get extra support from your energy supplier by signing up to the priority services register if you:
- are disabled or seriously ill
- are recovering from an injury
- have mental health problems
- don’t speak or read English well
- have children under 5, or are pregnant
- have reached your state pension age
- are in a vulnerable situation
Benefits of priority service can include free energy saving advice. A password protection scheme to protect you from cold-callers. Your meter moved free of charge if it’s hard for you to use or read. Bills sent to a relative, carer or friend to help you check them. You might also get advance notice if your supply is going to be interrupted, priority re-connection if your supply is interrupted. You may also get annual gas safety checks. Find out more on the Ofgem priority services register website.
To find out if you’re eligible to join the priority service register, speak to your energy supplier.
If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:
- For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
- For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172
Energy suppliers priority service
Apply for energy bill discounts and benefits
See if you are be eligible for three heating related benefits:
- £140 discount on your energy bills with the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
This should be paid direct to you if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Energy suppliers may also offer this discount to other people who receive certain benefits, are on a low income, or are elderly. To find out if you qualify you contact your energy supplier directly. - £250 and £600 towards your energy bills with the Winter Fuel Payment. The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300.
- Extra help if temperatures fall below a certain level with the Cold Weather Payment.
Struggling to pay for your gas and electricity?
The price of gas and electricity has increased greatly over recent weeks. If you are worrying about what to do, did you know that there is support available to help you during this time?
You can contact your supplier, to discuss ways to help pay what you may owe. This should be made affordable to you based on your budget. Your energy supplier may have support funds available.
British Gas - British Gas Energy Trust
- They offer a number of schemes to help people who are in arrears. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.
Octopus Energy - Octo Assist Fund
- To apply you would need to be an Octopus Energy customer and are currently struggling with your bills.
OVO - OVO Energy Fund
- You have to either be an existing OVO customer or previous customer. This is designed for people in debt of over £150 and unable to pay their bills
Scottish Power - Scottish Power Hardship Fund
- If you are an existing customer of Scottish Power and having difficulties paying your bills you may be able to get additional support.
National Energy Action - NEA – 0800 3047159 Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm.
- A charity who specialise in assisting people with help with energy debt. Giving benefits advice and making the most of your income. Support with gas and electricity accounts including fuel debt and switching suppliers and helping with energy efficiency. They can also help you apply for trust fund money, Water rates, Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register details.
If you need extra financial support, you can contact:
Money Advice Service - 0800 1387777
National Debtline - 0808 8084000
Citizens Advice - 0808 2231133
Step Change - 0800 1381111
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Preparing for Colder Weather
- From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
- Tips for staying warm and well this winter
The UK Health Security Agency has advice on staying well in the cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating.
- Cold Weather Alerts will keep you safe and well this winter by keeping you informed
The Cold Weather Alert operates in England from the 1 November to 31 March every year, in association with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alerts give you advanced warning of adverse weather conditions that could have a significant effect on your health and well-being, enabling you to take extra precautions to keep safe and well. Sign up here.
Local Support and Contact Details
The cold weather can be seriously bad for your health, especially if you're under five, over 65, pregnant, or have a long-term health condition. The good news is there are lots of things you can do.
- Use our Warm Homes team for help to keep your home warm. Having your home at least 18 degrees Celsius or 64 degrees Fahrenheit is better for your health.
- Look out for others during cold weather.
- Stay as active as you can. Any exercise will help your physical and mental health.
You can find out about the support available on our Stay Well this Winter pages, or download our keep warm and well leaflet.
For local advice and support on money, benefits and more, call Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776825, DIAL on 01226 240273 or Citizens Advice Barnsley on 0800 144 8848.
Make your house warmer and cheaper to run
If you're worried about paying your energy bills, or you're struggling to keep your home warm, Barnsley Council can help by giving you advice on making your home warmer and cheaper to run.
We can advise you on:
- improving your home with energy saving measures
- energy bills and tariffs
- energy debt
Call: 01226 773366
Our Warm Home Officers are also running drop in sessions throughout the borough at local libraries. See which sessions are available using the link above.
Barnsley Council - MORE MON£Y IN YOUR POCKET (MMIYP)
Information and support to help with the rising cost of living. Find out how you
could save money or get help in a range of areas by visiting the More Money In Your Pocket Website.
The MMIYP website includes:
- Housing support
- Support with utility bills
- Food support
- Help to manage you money
- Wellbeing support
- Employment and Skills support
- Household support grants and other support
- Support for Berneslai Homes tenants
- Freebies and money saving ideas
Warm Homes Healthy People
Free independent energy advice for those living in the Bradford District area.
Web: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/projects/warm-homes-healthy-people/
Wellbeing Hubs
Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:
- Welfare benefits
- Domestic abuse
- Substance misuse
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Carers support
There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:
Find out more:
Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/
Green Doctor
Web: Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. - Groundwork
Calderdale MBC – Housing energy action team
The Council’s Housing Energy Action Team (HEAT) can help owner occupiers and tenants in privately rented properties make their homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
Tel: (01422) 288001
Email: heat@calderdale.gov.uk
Green Doctor
Web: Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. - Groundwork
The Energy Team at Doncaster Council
The Energy Team at Doncaster Council can provide free advice and support to Doncaster residents, including helping people to switch provider and save money on energy bills.
Contact The Energy team at:
Tel: 01302 737053
energy.team@doncaster.gov.uk
Doncaster Adult Social Services and Wellbeing Team
For assistance or advice with support and care arrangements you can find lots of detailed information via:
Web: www.yourlifedoncaster.co.uk
or
Tel: 01302 737391
Energy efficiency at home
Web: Energy efficiency at home (eastriding.gov.uk)
How can I save money on my fuel bills?
Different utility companies can charge different rates for supplying electricity and gas to your home. You may find a cheaper rate by changing your supplier or payment method. Various websites offer impartial advice on different tariffs available and explain how to change supplier.
YORSwitch is a collective energy switch scheme run by the Council to register please visit or further details can be obtained by calling the Council on (01482) 393939.
What energy efficiency grants are available?
- The Council are currently working with Scottish Power to offer grants for cavity and loft insulation.
- Contact the Healthy Homes team with your enquiries about loft and cavity wall insulation please email the healthy homes team or telephone the council on (01482) 396301 and select option 2.
- At present there is a waiting list for the loft and cavity wall insulation scheme, if you wish to register then complete your details using the online form below:
- New Future Energy Scheme grants
About the scheme
- The scheme pays for the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump system to eligible homeowners. who aren’t connected to the mains gas network.
- The ‘New Future Energy Scheme’ is the latest grant of this type which the council has offered to eligible homeowners. Previous Air Source Heat Pump schemes have already helped East Riding residents improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
- Take a look at how it helped one such resident.
- As of March 2023, applications aren’t yet open for this scheme, but we are inviting eligible homeowners to register their interest. You will be contacted as soon as the funding is secured. This page will be updated when applications are fully open.
Government Funding for Renewables
Further information on the latest grants that are available, please visit the government’s website: Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Connector Service (Social Prescribing)
Supporting East Riding Residents aged 18+ to access support to improve overall health and wellbeing, reducing health inequalities across the region. Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Connectors aim to improve self care providing you with support and empowerment in the following areas:
· Long term health conditions · Dementia · Carers · Digital Technology divide · Food Poverty · Fuel Poverty · Social Isolation |
· Loneliness · Relationships · Employment · Accessing support groups · Volunteering opportunities · Accessing befriending services |
· Debt · Housing · Social Care · General health and wellbeing · Other areas that may be affecting your health and wellbeing |
Situated in the majority of GP practices and various community venues, the Link workers will listen and help you to arrive at the best solution for you, they can advise and support you with a wide variety of issues and can be accessed without a referral
Telephone: 0800 9177752
email: hnf-tr.socialprescribing@nhs.net
or contact via: YOURhealth – Prevention and Lifestyle Services (humber.nhs.uk)
Additionally most GP surgeries have social prescribers available during the week.
Hull Warm Homes
The Warm Homes Team provide an impartial fuel poverty advice service for householders aimed at helping households to reduce the costs of keeping warm and well at home.
Tel: 01482 300 300
Website: https://www.hullwarmhomes.org.uk/
Kirklees Council
Information on how to keep your house warm and save money.
Web: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/your-property-bins-recycling/house-warm.aspx
Better Homes Kirklees
Better Homes Yorkshire has been created to help residents across Yorkshire pay less for energy and live in healthier, warmer homes.
Tel: 0800 597 1500 or 0113 897 0977
Web: http://www.betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk/
Green Doctor
Web: Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. - Groundwork
Home Plus (Leeds)
Home Plus (Leeds) is a new service aimed at enabling and maintaining independent living through improving health at home, helping to prevent falls and cold related health conditions.
Tel: 0113 2406009
Green Doctor
Groundwork’s Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice to help individuals take control of their bills, save energy where possible in the home, and access other services and initiatives available.
Home Energy (North East Lincolnshire Council)
Is the person struggling to pay your energy bills? Is the person choosing to heat your home or feed your family? Is the person living in a cold home? Does the person have inadequate heating & Insulation?
If they have answered 'yes' to any of these questions they may be entitled to help from the Home Energy Team
Tel: 01472 326296 (Option 5)
Email: energy@nelincs.gov.uk
Website: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/homes-and-property/home-energy/
The Wellbeing Service (North East Lincolnshire Council)
Tel: 01472 325500
Affordable warmth assistance for vulnerable households and details of how to improve energy efficiency within the home, contact North Lincolnshire Council Home Assistance Team.
Tel: 01724 297000
Email: housing@northlincs.gov.uk
Information and advice for older people on affordable warmth options as well as local schemes when available to provide practical support, home visiting benefits advice service to increase income for over 65's. Handy person service to support fitting energy efficient measures.
Tel: 01507 524242
Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey/
Lincs 4 Warmer HomesLincs 4 Warmer Homes is Greater Lincolnshire’s partnership scheme between local authorities across the region, offering energy efficiency improvements and advice. A government funded scheme to help replace existing inefficient boilers or insulation in the home, for this service - please complete the Lincs 4 Warmer Homes enquiry form via the on-line mechanism.
Web: Lincs 4 Warmer Homes - NELC | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)
Warm and Well in North Yorkshire
Warm & Well in North Yorkshire raises awareness of the impact of cold homes on our health and wellbeing, offers practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty, and supports people and communities to stay warm and well in winter.
The projects services are available across the 7 districts of North Yorkshire and include:
- Practical and financial help to stay warm and well at home.
- Talks, events and training for residents and frontline workers.
- Campaigns, resources and tops tips on a wide range of winter issues.
Referrals can be made into the project if someone is living in or at risk of a cold home or fuel poverty, struggling to afford their energy bills, or worried about winter. These can be made by professionals and by individuals themselves.
Warm & Well in North Yorkshire is a partnership of organisations from across the charity, public and private sectors. For further information about the project call the helpline number below.
Tel: 01609 767555
Web: https://www.warmandwell.org.uk/
To refer yourself or someone else for support please complete this form.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
The Council can give you help and advice about affordable warmth for your home.
Web: http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/
Tel: 0800 0731311
South Yorkshire Energy Centre
Free advice on reducing energy costs and keeping warm. Drop-in Thursday mornings. Advice on lowering fuel bills, energy saving appliances and insulation.
Tel: (0114) 393 9981 (extension 3)
Website: https://www.heeleyfarm.org.uk/
Address: Heeley City Farm, Richards Road, Sheffield S2 3DT
Energy Advice Team - Wakefield Council
This website contains a list wealth of information and links to Affordable Warmth and Health and Energy Saving Tips.
Tel: 0344 9020 222
Email: eat@wakefield.gov.uk
Website: Saving energy - Wakefield Council
Address: Home Energy Team
Strategic Housing
Wakefield Council
Wakefield One
PO Box 700
Burton Street
Wakefield
WF1 2EB
Wakefield Healthy Housing Pathway - Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council Strategic Housing Healthy Homes pathway is a service to help with the following issues: Cold, damp or draughty homes, High fuel bills and/or poor home energy efficiency, Broken heating or hot water system, Poor and hazardous housing conditions, Problems with private landlords.
In some cases, there may be grants and loans available to help with the cost of
making home heating and insulation improvements. This service is particularly interested in supporting the more vulnerable groups who live in the Wakefield district. For example: Aged over 60, A household with a child aged under 16, Those with conditions or illnesses that are made worse by cold or damp housing conditions.
Tel: 01924 305887
Email: healthyhousing@wakefield.gov.uk
Web: Healthy Housing - Wakefield Council
Referral Form: 277133-healthy-housing.pdf (yhphnetwork.co.uk)
Address: Healthy Housing, Wakefield Council, Wakefield One, PO Box 700, Burton Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EB
Wakefield Council
Advice for Flu, winter warmth and generally staying healthy this winter
Web: be-safe-warm-and-well-this-winter.pdf (wakefield.gov.uk)
Green Doctor
Web: Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. - Groundwork
City of York Council
To learn how to reduce the amount of money you spend on energy and create a warmer, healthy home please contact the telephone number below or visit the website for further information.
Tel: 01904 551550
Website: https://www.york.gov.uk/info/20242/sustainability/1529/affordable_warmth_and_fuel_poverty