Council Tax Support
Households on low-income with under £16,000 savings or capital (unless in receipt of Pension Credit) may qualify for a discount from their council tax bill. To find out if they are entitled, they can use the Benefits Calculator.
Social Tariffs
Switching provider or accessing discounted social tariffs can help households save money. Ofcom are raising awareness of social tariffs from broadband and phone packages and how people can access them.
Anglian Water offer tariffs for low-income households with up to 50% discount on water and sewage charges.
Residents should call the Extra Care Team on 0800 232 1963 and see if they are able to switch tariff or find if there are other ways Anglian Water can help with bills.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. More information can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Anglian Water
Anglian Water are offering affordability support.
Mortgage costs
Citezens Advice offer ways on cutting down your mortgage costs.
Help with your TV licence
The Simple Payment Plan was created for those in financial difficulty.
Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV Licence over 12 months, this means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances.
TV Licensing accepts referrals to the Simple Payment Plan from not-for-profit organisations such as charities or your local authority money advice department. It cannot accept referrals from commercial organisations.
If you would like to speak to someone about your finances, you can contact your local authority debt advice team or there are many not-for-profit organisations offering free, confidential and independent advice. Any not-for-profit organisation providing this service can refer you to us to join the Simple Payment Plan.
There are other TV licence concessions, which you might be eligible for depending on your circumstances. There are concessions available for:
NHS Prescriptions and Health Costs
Some people are eligible for free or reduced-cost NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and help with other NHS costs including transport to appointments.
Dealing with rent arrears
If you are a private tenant not in receipt of benefits, Shelter is the best point of contact if you’re behind on rent. Find more information on the Shelter website.
Support for Mortgage Interest
If you are a homeowner, Citizen’s Advice can help you to claim Support for Mortgage Interest from the government (if you are eligible). Find more information on the Citizen's Advice website.
The DWP can also help homeowners on certain benefits pay interest on loans or mortgages please visit GOV.UK's support page.
For further advice if you’re worried about mortgage cost rises can be found on the Moneyhelper website.
Fuel direct scheme
If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be able to pay in instalments through the Fuel Direct Scheme. To set this up, contact your local Job Centre, who will call your supplier if you qualify.
Energy supplier grants
There may also be grants available to you from your energy supplier. These are run by energy companies, but you don’t necessarily need to be a customer to apply. Check out Charis Grants for a number of schemes that can provide assistance. Find a list of grants and benefits on the Citizens Advice website.
Legal Aid for Possession Proceedings
Government-funded legal advice and representation (legal aid) is available to anyone facing possession proceedings. For more details, please visit GOV.UK.
Money saving expert
There are so many helpful places and resources for getting good advice and help on saving money, but few are as well known as Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website.
From tools to help save on household bills, to a guide on banking and saving to get best returns on your money, advice on reclaims and accessing money you’re owed and tips to counter soaring prices, it’s the popular website for cutting your costs. You can sign up for a free weekly Money Tips email.
Switch off for more money with E.ON
Every energy company has its own scheme for helping or incentivising you to save energy. If you’re an E.ON Next customer, look out for a deal that gives you rewards for reducing your energy use during peak times – which also saves you money.
It works by signing up, receiving alerts and aiming to hit the targets that are set for energy savings over a set period. In return, you win account credits.
Visit E.ON Next's website and the National Grid ESO website for more information.
Saving energy saves money
Saving energy is not only good for the environment, but it will also save you money.
By making small changes to your daily routine, such as turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics when not in use, or cooking differently, you can significantly reduce your energy use and lower your electricity bill.
Energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs also bring long-term savings.
Ask your energy provider about free energy-efficient light bulbs and look into switching to a better deal.
Other avenues of support in saving energy bills include:
Visiting The Energy Saving Trust website.
Visiting the Simple Energy Advice website or calling on 0800 444 202
Visiting the National Energy Action website or calling on 0800 304 7159 between 10am to 12pm Monday to Friday.
Local Energy Advice Demonstrators (LEAD)
The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has awarded £300,000 to fund the LEAD project to allow Local Authority’s across Lincolnshire to provide support to residents living in buildings that are hard to modify.
The funding will be used to make homes more energy efficient and provide upgrades to sustainable heating systems.
If you would like to find out more visit Lincs 4 Warmer Homes
