Customer Wellbeing

Government support

The government has set up a bespoke Help for Household’s website which is dedicated to the Cost-of-living support. Please visit Get help with the cost of living from your local council - GOV.UK to find out about the support they are making available

Get help with essential costs

Your local council may help you pay for things like your energy and water bills, food, and essentials such as clothes.

This help is known as ‘welfare assistance’ or the ‘Household Support Fund’. Ask your local council if they run a welfare assistance or Household Support Fund scheme. You can find out how to contact your local council by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Check if you are eligible for grants or schemes that are available

• Visit www.turn2us.org.uk for details of grants and schemes
• Visit this webpage to check your eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Check if you're eligible for the Warm Home Discount - GOV.UK  Contact your water supplier to check if you are eligible for a reduction in water rates
• Discretionary Housing Payments – if impacted by the bedroom tax or benefit cap. Please contact your local council.

Claims for Universal Credit are usually made online at www.gov.uk

Water arrears

If you are struggling to repay your water bill or have built up arrears you should contact your water company as soon as possible to try and reach a repayment agreement. Contact Step Change or Citizens Advice if you need debt advice. You can also contact your water supplier to check if you are eligible for a reduction in water rates.

Deduction from benefits

If you are on certain benefits, you can ask the DWP to deduct a sum from your benefit or Universal Credit payment to cover current water rates and a standard amount towards the arrears. Contact your water company, or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with details of your most recent water bill to arrange this.

Water trust funds

Many water companies run charitable trust funds – contact your local Water company to see if they can offer any support Find Your Supplier | Water UK

Household Support Fund (England)

If you live in England, you may be able to receive a small grant to support energy bills. Contact your local council to check if you may be eligible: www.gov.uk/find-local-council

NEA National Energy Action

A national fuel poverty charity to ensure that everyone is warm and safe at home. www.nea.org.uk/