Reduce Your Bills

It's normal to feel rushed to pay the bills that seem most urgent, but some bills are more important than others. Essentials like council tax, rent, gas, electricity, TV licence fees, and court fines should be paid first.

All companies that send bills are expected to be understanding of your situation. They might be able to change your payment plan or temporarily stop collecting payments for up to 30 days.

Talk to your suppliers

If they can’t or won't help, get advice from organisations such as StepChange or National Debtline. An advisor can speak to these companies for you.

Budgeting Advance

You might be able to get a loan as part of your Universal Credit if you need to cover a specific expense - this is called a 'budgeting advance'.

Getting a Universal Credit budgeting advance - Citizens Advice

Claim the Benefits you are entitled to

Use a benefits calculator for an estimate, or contact the benefits team for more details. Please look at our Claim Benefits page for more information.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO 4)

ECO4 has yet to commence, however it applies to measures completed from 1 April 2022 and will cover a four-year period until 31 March 2026. The ECO3 scheme closed on 31 March 2022. Visit Ofgem website for more information.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) | Ofgem

Anglian Water

What are our LITE and Extra LITE tariffs and how can they help you? We created the LITE and Extra LITE tariffs to support people who have little money left after paying their bills and are struggling to pay their water bill.

LITE and Extra Lite | Anglian Water Services

Energy Saving Trust / National Energy Action (NEA)

The Energy Saving Trust and NEA also provide a lot of other useful information.

GoCompare Interactive Energy Cost Calculator Tool

Wondering if it's cheaper to use a gas or electric oven, or an electric blanket vs. heating? GoCompare’s energy cost calculator lets you compare the cost of running different appliances based on usage time.

Energy Cost Calculator UK | GoCompare

There is support available to help with rising energy costs. Most energy suppliers have funds to help pay off debts and may offer assistance with ongoing bills. They will usually need information about your financial situation. If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, visit your supplier's website or contact them directly.

Help for Individuals: Charis Grants

Extra Care Support - Anglian Water

Independent fuel debt advice – British Gas Energy Trust

OVO Energy Fund | OVO Energy Trust Fund | Charis

E.ON Next Energy Fund

What is the ScottishPower Hardship Fund?

Priority Services Register | Octopus Energy

This scheme is offered by the NHS. If you have a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

Ofcom provides useful information on how to switch your phone, broadband, and mobile providers. The price comparison sites listed are approved by Ofcom.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/price-comparison

Some providers may offer lower rates for people on benefits. Contact your supplier directly to find out.

Add to My Booklet

Reduce Your Bills

Talk to your suppliers

Budgeting Advance

Claim the Benefits you are entitled to

Energy Company Obligation (ECO 4)

Anglian Water

Energy Saving Trust / National Energy Action (NEA)

GoCompare Interactive Energy Cost Calculator Tool

In this section

Related Pages

Useful Links

Feedback on this page