Charity urges Northamptonshire residents to act as energy bills rise

Northamptonshire residents worried about affording their energy bills this winter are being urged to get help now, before money worries become debts or they start struggling to keep their homes warm.

The warning, from Northamptonshire charity Community Law Service, comes as the energy price cap rises by 4% this month - adding £60 a year to a typical household's energy bill and taking it to £1,723 a year.

To support residents Community Law Service has launched its Winter Ready campaign, encouraging people to seek advice at the first sign of difficulty rather than waiting until they are behind on payments or struggling to keep their home warm.

Community Law Service Chief Executive Sarah Hayle said: “People do not need to wait until they are in serious debt or facing a crisis before asking for help. If you are worried about your energy bills, struggling to keep your home warm or simply unsure whether you are getting all the support available to you, speak to us early. There may be practical and financial help available and acting sooner gives you more options.”

Community Law Service provides free, independent energy advice to people across Northamptonshire. Its advisers can check whether people are receiving all the benefits and financial support they are entitled to, help with energy debt and wider money worries, review energy tariffs and billing, and help resolve problems with energy suppliers. They can also speak to suppliers on a client’s behalf and help eligible households access the Priority Services Register, which provides additional support from energy suppliers.

The charity can also provide practical energy-saving advice and devices and refer eligible households for home energy assessments and improvements such as insulation or heating.

Community Law Service is reminding residents to check whether they qualify for additional support this winter, including the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.

The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 reduction on electricity bills for eligible households. Winter Fuel Payments of between £100 and £300 may be available to eligible people born on or before 27th June 1960, while some people receiving certain benefits qualify for £25 Cold Weather Payments for each qualifying seven-day period of very cold weather between 1st November and 31st March.

The charity is urging anyone struggling with their energy bills to get in touch, including people who have never needed financial or benefits advice before.

Sarah added: “Many people have never needed to claim benefits or ask for financial help before, so they may not know what support is available. Simple steps such as checking your tariff, taking regular meter readings and contacting your supplier early if you are struggling can make a real difference. Our advisers can help people work out what support they may be entitled to and what to do next. We recognise for many, simply cutting your energy usage is not realistic, our team can offer a wide range of help and advice.”

Community Law Service’s free Home Energy Checklist also provides practical steps households can take to reduce energy waste, keep their home warmer and stay on top of their energy accounts.

Advice is available at the charity’s offices in Northampton and Wellingborough, at one of their community venues and home visits available for people who are housebound.

To request an energy advice appointment, call 01604 621038, 01933 313020 or email [email protected].