Gas and Electricity
As of 1st October 2022, the Government is replacing the price cap with a new Energy Price Guarantee. This will ensure that a typical household in Great Britain pays an average £2,500 a year on their energy bill, for the next 2 years, from 1st October 2022.
If you are not sure whether you are on the cheapest tariff or you would like to compare the costs of your energy bills, please contact your energy provider directly or visit the Money Saving Expert website - www.moneysavingexpert.com
If you are on a low income or over a certain age you might also be able to receive help with your bills.
Extra Government support is being provided for people who are older and those on benefits. This includes the following:
Cold Weather Payment – an extra payment when there is a spell of very cold weather in your local area, subject to eligibility. This payment scheme will next open on 1st November 2022. For more information - www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
For those struggling to pay energy debts, grants are available to help. Please contact your energy supplier directly to find out more or contact Citizens Advice for information on grants and benefits to help pay energy bills.
If your energy supplier does not offer a grant scheme, you can contact the British Gas Energy Trust for help and support. These grants are available regardless of whether you are a British Gas Customer. For more information – www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
If you are a customer on a pre-payment meter, the Energy Price Guarantee will be applied to the rate you pay for each unit of energy meaning that the money you put on the meter will last longer than otherwise would have been the case this winter.
If you are a customer not on standard gas or electricity contracts, and not connected to the grid, such as those living in park homes or on heat networks, you will be no worse off and will receive comparable support through a discretionary fund.
Water
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, Severn Trent are on hand to help.
For more information - www.stwater.co.uk/my-account/help-when-you-need-it/help-with-paying-your-bill
Council Tax
The Council Tax Support Scheme is available to help low-income households to help pay their council tax.
To check if you are eligible and to apply - www.stroud.gov.uk/housing-benefit-universal-credit-and-council-tax-support/council-tax-support
To find out more - www.cotswold.gov.uk/council-tax-and-benefits
The Government has also announced a Council Tax rebate scheme meaning that 20 million households across the country in council tax bands A to D, including 95% of rented properties, will benefit from the £3 billion council tax rebate part of a £9.1 billion support package from the Government.
Eligible households will receive a £150 payment which does not need to be repaid as part of an extensive package of government measures to help families with rising energy costs. For more information - www.stroud.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-energy-rebate-information-from-central-government