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If you’re finding it tough to pay your energy bills this winter, there’s support available for you. You can reach out to your local council to learn about financial help from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.
The government has put a lot of money, over £2 billion, into this Fund since it started. Recently, they shared that more than £360 million has been given to households for help with energy and water bills between October 2021 and March 2023.
As the weather gets colder, this Fund can be used to make homes more energy efficient and to help with bills. For example, in Kingston upon Hull Council, hundreds of boilers and radiators have been paid for using this Fund. In other places, people got help with loft insulation, new thermostats, and radiator valves.
Pensioners in Swindon Borough Council got tens of thousands of pounds to help with heating before winter. This includes grants for fuel and energy, as well as repairs to heating systems.
The Household Support Fund is part of the government’s efforts to make life better for people in the UK. They want to make sure families get the help they need, especially during tough times. That’s why they’ve worked to bring down inflation and cut taxes to help people keep more of their money.
Jo Churchill MP, the Minister for Employment, said:
“The Household Support Fund is there for anyone who needs a helping hand. This Fund allows councils to help in all kinds of ways – from providing heating support, like boilers and insulation, to other needs, such as kitchen essentials, free school meals and warm clothing.”
“Now inflation has more than halved, and the economy has turned a corner, anyone who feels they need help this winter should get in touch with their local council to find out how this Fund can help them.”
Besides heating support, the Fund can also help with other needs like kitchen essentials, free school meals, and warm clothing during the colder months.
This Fund works together with other government support programs. For example, households on certain benefits can get up to £900 in direct Cost of Living payments. Millions of households also benefit from the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payments.
Starting from April, working-age and disability benefits will increase by 6.7%. And private renters will get more help with housing costs too.
Apart from the Household Support Fund, there’s also the Help for Households campaign. This offers information and support on various issues like childcare costs and mental health advice. So, if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
