Government Support Initiatives
Energy Price Guarantee
From 1st October, a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ will mean a typical UK household will pay no more than £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years. This is automatic and applies to all households.
This will save the average household at least £1,000 a year based on current energy prices from October and is in addition to the £400 energy bills discount for all households.
This applies to all households in Great Britain, with the same level of support made available to households in Northern Ireland.
More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support/energy-bills-support-factsheet-8-september-2022
Cost of Living Payment
Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year.
This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in summer and another in the autumn, and is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills.
Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Disability Cost of Living Payment
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills.
This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Winter Fuel Payment
If born on or before 25 September 1956, they are eligible for a one-off, tax-free payment between £100 and £300 for winter 2022-23 only.
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Cold weather payments
The 2022 to 2023 Cold Weather Payment scheme has now ended. The 2023 to 2024 scheme will start on 1 November 2023.
Cold Weather Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2022 to 2023 has closed. The scheme will reopen again in October 2023.
Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
0% VAT on energy saving materials
It will be cheaper for you to install energy saving materials such as thermal insulation or solar panels with 0% VAT for the next five years, helping to improve energy efficiency in your home and keep heating bills down.
Find ways to save energy in your home - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Help to Heat
You may be eligible for grants to improve the energy efficiency of your home, which could help to reduce your energy bills. Government is investing n energy efficiency schemes which are being delivered by local authorities.
Find energy grants for your home (Help to Heat) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice has a host of advice, information and support to help you and your family. Visit the Citizens Advice website to find out more.
Heat the human, not the home
One of the ways you can save money this winter is to follow the MSE 'heat the home not the human' guide for the most effective ways to do this.
Local Support Initiatives
Find more information on Redcar and Cleveland’s Energy Efficiency offer
Cleveland Fire Brigade – Stay Safe and Warm
The ‘Stay Safe and Warm’ initiative offers a free home assessment and, if required, access to equipment such as heaters and thermal blankets. Advice can be offered for managing fuel bills, including signposting for available funding and referrals for free boiler replacement/repair where necessary.
More information can be found at: https://www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/community/ssaw/ or by calling 01429 874063
South Tees Affordable Warmth Partnership – Middlesbrough Environment City (MEC)
The South Tees Affordable Warmth Partnership is a group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations who share the following vision: Commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of South Tees by ensuring homes have safe and affordable warmth.
Members of the partnership offer a range of services such as:
- Emergency heating in case of heating breakdown
- Benefits checks and welfare advice
- Befriending and social activities
- Mobility and falls prevention information
- Healthy eating and lifestyles advice
MEC have a dedicated affordable warmth team to help achieve the goal of reducing fuel poverty and ensuring homes are safe and warm.
Call 0800 304 7084 or email the team for more information.
More information on Middlesbrough Environment City and the services they offer can be found at: https://menvcity.org.uk
Age UK Warm Homes Project
The ‘Warm Homes’ programme offers support in increasing your income to pay for energy bills and help make your home more energy efficient so you can stay warm in the winter.
They offer one-to-one sessions for benefit entitlements and other advice, as well as home energy checks to further help keep the house warm and keep energy costs in check.
More information can be found at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/warm-homes/
Yorkshire Energy Doctor
The Yorkshire Energy Doctor provides free training opportunities to frontline services, including VCSE groups and volunteers via their Energy Ambassador courses.
Please see attached presentation slides and useful tips around energy saving:
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