Energy bills
From 1 July 2024 the energy price cap is set at £1,568 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit. This is a reduction of £122, or around 7%.
It sounds obvious, but the less energy you use the lower your bills will be. There are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to cut your use. We’ve listed some below.
Here are some quick ideas to help you cut back:
- Close your curtains and use draft excluders to stop heat escaping.
- Check you have loft insulation in place to prevent losing heat through your roof.
- Use your washing machine or dishwasher at a lower temperature, or run them on the ‘eco’ setting – and avoid putting the washing on when you don’t have a full load.
- Get into the habit of switching lights off when you leave a room and switching electrical items off instead of leaving them on standby.
- Consider batch cooking, freezing or refrigerating food and reheating in a microwave.
- Use an air fryer, microwave or slow cooker – they are considerably cheaper than using an electric or gas cooker.
If you are struggling to afford your gas and electricity bills, contact your supplier to discuss ways to pay what you owe them. Your supplier has to help you come to a solution. You should try to negotiate a deal that works for both of you.
Check with your supplier whether they are part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and if they have a grant and trust fund that might help you.
Check if you’re entitled to the Housing Benefit Universal Credit for help towards your rent. This will depend on your personal circumstances. Use a benefits calculator to find out if you can get benefits to help pay your rent.
Increasing interest rates may mean that your monthly mortgage payments have increased. If you're worried about making your payments, it's important that you seek advice as soon as you can, your lender should be able to offer some help and support and explain options available to you.
The government also offers support in some circumstances - click here to find out more.
If you have mortgage arrears, check out some of the options available by clicking here. Whatever you decide it's important that you seek free, independent advice as your home may be at risk.
Councils run support schemes to help people on low incomes with their Council Tax bill. Contact your local council to find out what support is available.
If you are on certain benefits you may be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments which provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs. Check if you’re eligible for a discretionary housing payment.
Many water companies run hardship schemes or fund independent charitable trusts which can help you pay your bills. Get support paying your water bill.
You may be eligible for a budgeting loan if you’ve been on certain benefits for 6 months. These are interest free so you only repay what you borrow.
This can be used for household items such as white goods, rent in advance and travelling costs. Check if you’re eligible for a budgeting loan.
You may be eligible to move onto a social tariff if you’re struggling to afford your broadband or phone services. Check the Ofcom website to see if you can switch to a social tariff.
You may be entitled to a free or discounted gym membership if you are on Universal Credit. There are many gyms all over the UK that provide concession memberships and training, so that you can still get in shape. Check with your local sports/leisure centre or gym. Better gym group offer some great concessions, check here to see if you qualify.
If you’re worried about not being able to pay your rent, please speak to your rent payment officer who’ll be able to help you.
To see more cost of living support you can receive from the government and other organisations, please click the button below:
