Cost of Living Support

Reducing bills and budgeting

Energy bill rebates, payments and discounts

If you are on low income, have a disability or are state pension age, it is worth checking to see if you are entitled to any of the following:

Warm Home Discount - a one-off discount of £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024. The money is not paid to you - it is a one off payment applied to your electricity bill between early October and 31 March 2024.

There are 2 ways to qualify:

  • If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
  • If you are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria.

Find out more on the Government website.

Winter Fuel Payment - If you were born before 25 September 1957 and live in the UK, you should be eligible to get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically and, if you’re eligible, you will have received a letter in October or November saying how much you will get. 

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment Eligibility and how much you will get on the UK government website.

If you have not received a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim. If you have not claimed already for this year, then you will need to

Claim by phone - Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre Telephone: 0800 731 0160
or by Email enquiry form

All information on the Winter Fuel Payment is available at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

Warm Home Better Health - free assessment - ‘Thinking Works’ provides local residents with free home assessments to help keep homes warm and provide advice on keeping well and healthy. 

If you are a Kingston resident and have one or more of the following, you are eligible for this free service. 

  • Aged 65 or over
  • Have a long-term condition such as diabetes 
  • Have a low income, such as being in receipt of Universal Credit.

Find out more online, email enquires@thinkingworks.co.uk or call 0800 118 2327 

How to Save Money on Utility Bills

Social Tariffs 

Broadband and Mobile - Most of the major broadband and mobile providers have Social Tariffs available. OFCOM (the UK’s communications regulator) has a full list of broadband and phone social tariffs on its’ website.

Water - All water companies offer a social tariff for eligible customers. You can find the details for companies in England and Wales on the Consumer Council for Water website or by phone 0300 034 2222.

The CCW also offers guidance on reducing your water use, difficulty with bills and making a complaint. 

Thames Water WaterHelp and WaterSure are schemes that can cut or cap your bill based on eligibility. WaterHelp could offer a discount of 50% on your bill and WaterSure is for those with a water meter and a large family or a water-dependent 

Energy Savings - trusted sites

The Energy Saving Trust - get trusted and independent advice on how to save money on your bills at the same time as reducing your carbon footprint. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for tips on reducing your energy use, installing energy saving home improvements and renewable energy systems, grants and financial support, and more.

Also check out GOV.UK energy saving tips and Money Saving Expert - for tips to counter the cost of soaring energy bills.

Managing your household budget

Knowing how much money you have coming in each month, and where you need to spend it, can help you to keep on top of all your household expenses and prepare for any unexpected extra costs.

Last Modified: 31/05/2024 16:46:42