See a guide to the help the government is providing on energy costs.
Make sure you’re not paying more than you need to on bills and everyday costs, like gas, electricity and everyday essentials
- Contact Switched On Portsmouth for help to cut your energy costs and make your home warmer
- See if you can save money on your energy bills by using a price comparison site and find out more about how you can save energy at home
- If you can’t afford to pay your bill or top up your meter, then see more advice from Ofgem.
- If you need help to switch supplier ring the Switched On Portsmouth freephone helpline on 0800 260 5907
- Warm homes discount – help with your electricity bill during the winter
- If you are struggling with either of your water bills, there is help on offer. Visit the support pages for Portsmouth Water and Southern Water.
- If you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support, you may be eligible for a social tariff, to cut the cost of your broadband
- If you can’t afford the cost of your broadband or mobile phone, Money Saving Expert can tell you how to get a better deal.
- Visit Money Helper for a free and flexible ten-week plan to help you build your confidence to manage your money
- Find out if there is a community pantry or larder in your area, to cut your food bills.
- More great ideas for saving money and being a smart shopper can be found on Money Saving Expert
- For bill calculators and comparison deals visit Compare the Market.
- For help and advice on any of these ways to save money, call Advice Portsmouth on 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email portsmouth@theyoutrust.org.uk
- Contact LEAP to request an energy and money saving advice appointment. Book online or ring freephone 0800 060 7567.
- If gambling is affecting you, or those close to you, get free, confidential and non-judgemental advice and support from GamCare – call free on 0808 8020 133, or use their free self-help resources. If you borrowed money that you could not afford to repay because of problems with gambling, you may be entitled to a refund. This guide from Debt Camel explains what you can do.
- For help with childcare costs see the government advice. For more advice contact our family information service on 023 9268 8830 or fis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- Don’t miss out on your free TV licence if you are over 75 and on pension credit.
- Save on the cost of smoking, by quitting or switching to e-cigarettes. Our wellbeing service can help.
Travel and transport
Here are some ideas for cutting down on transport costs:
Private sector tenants and homeowners
If your landlord is not doing enough to maintain your home, or if you own your own home but cannot afford to bring it up to a decent standard – contact the Private Sector Housing Team for help and advice.
Electric heaters can be loaned for short term emergencies, these are expensive for households to run so should only be used in an emergency. Phone 023 9268 8369 or email housing.privatesector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Help for council tenants
If you’re struggling to keep your home warm, or to meet the cost of your energy bills, contact your local housing office. They can check whether any improvements are needed in your home, and give you advice about your bills.
Housing association tenants
Contact your housing association customer service team and ask about help to make your home more energy efficient.
Priority Services Register
If you:
- are 66 years old or more, or
- have a long term disability or health condition, or
- could be vulnerable for any other reason,
Let your energy company know, and ask to be added to their free Priority Services Register.
If you are a homeowner and:
- you are registered for Priority Services, or
- you have children under five and are receiving certain benefits,
You should also be eligible for a free annual gas safety check. Contact your gas supplier to request one.
Warm Home Discount
This is a one-off payment of £150 towards your electricity bill or meter for people receiving Pension Credit, and for some working age households on low incomes. The scheme for working age households has changed this year and you no longer need to apply, but you may need to contact your electricity supplier if you think you qualify but are not contacted about this during the autumn or winter. Ofgem’s webpage has more information on the Warm Home Discount.