Heating your Home and Staying Safe in the Winter
Households spending more than 10% of their income on fuel to keep their homes warm are classed as being in fuel poverty. Poor insulation, inefficient heating systems and low incomes all contribute to fuel poverty.
First Contact Plus runs the Warm Homes service with free advice and information on ways to reduce heating costs and stay warm in your home. Residents can also benefit from a home visit by the Warm Homes Officer who will provide free energy-saving items, including LED light bulbs, radiator reflectors and chimney balloons.
With the rising cost of energy, there are also a number of government schemes and grants available to help people with their fuel bills. Find out more using the links below.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount will be expanded, so nearly 3 million low-income households will benefit from a £150 discount.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is a government grant between £100 and £300 for people born before 26 September 1955 to help pay their heating bills.
Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment is automatically given to eligible households in areas where temperatures are recorded below zero degrees for seven consecutive days.
Staying safe in the Winter
As the nights get colder and darker, the chance of experiencing severe weather becomes more likely. Storms, floods and other extreme conditions can cause damage to the electricity and gas network and disrupt your energy supply. Gas and electricity companies have come together to launch the "Be Winter Ready" campaign. The campaign aims to help the public better-prepare for power cuts and gas emergencies that may result from bad winter weather.
For more information please download a copy of the attached leaflet and visit the website linked below.