Reduce Your Bills

It’s common to feel pressured to pay the bills that seem most urgent. However, some bills take priority over others. Essentials like council tax, rent, gas, electricity, TV licence fees, and court fines should be paid first.

All companies that issue bills are expected to handle customer situations with understanding. They may be able to restructure your payments or temporarily pause collection efforts for up to 30 days.

Talk to your suppliers

If they can’t / don’t help you, seek advice from places such as StepChange or National Debtline and an advisor can speak to these companies on your behalf.

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 information. 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 the 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 our LITE and Extra LITE tariffs as one of the ways we can support you if you have little spare money once your bills are paid and you’re struggling to pay your water bill.

LITE and Extra Lite | Anglian Water Services

Energy Savings Trust / NEA

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

GoCompare Interactive Energy Cost Calculator Tool

Ever wondered whether it’s cheaper to run a gas or electric oven? Or how about an electric blanket for 3 hours versus turning the heating on for 30 minutes? Well now you can find out.

GoCompare have developed an interactive energy cost calculator tool to find out how much something costs to run. Use the calculator to pick the appliances you want to compare and select how long they’ll be in use for.

Energy Cost Calculator UK | GoCompare

There is support available to help with the escalating energy costs. Most energy suppliers have funds to assist with paying off debts and may also offer help with ongoing bills. They will typically require information about your financial situation. If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, check your supplier’s website or contact them directly.

Help for Individuals: Charis Grants' Initiatives

Extra Care Support

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 offers valuable information on how to switch your phone, broadband, and mobile providers. The price comparison sites mentioned have been accredited by Ofcom.

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

Some providers may be able to offer social tariffs for those on benefits; contact your supplier directly to find out.