Keeping warm in winter
Anybody can be at risk from the effects of a cold winter. Those at particular risk include vulnerable people, such as the elderly, families on low income and people with long term medical conditions.
There are a number of things that people can do to help themselves, both medically and financially. For more information:
- view the Keep Warm Keep Well Guide produced by the Department of Health
- or call the Winter Warmth helpline on 0800 085 7000 (Textphone 0800 085 7857)
Financial assistance with heating costs
|
Your energy provider |
If you are struggling with your winter fuel costs speak to your energy provider, who should be able to offer you a standard monthly direct debit charge to enable you to spread the cost of your energy over the year with fixed regular payments. |
|
Priority Service Register |
If you are a pensioner, you should ask to go on your suppliers' Priority Service Register. This will entitle you to special services from your energy suppliers. The organisation that runs the register, Energywatch, can help take up complaints, help you switch suppliers, register you for free services through your supplier and give you information about grants and benefits you may qualify for. Contact the Priority Consumer Team on 0845 906 0708 or email priority.consumer@energywatch.org.uk |
|
Home Heat helpline |
The Home Heat helpline can help with payment schemes to spread the cost of heating and can speak to other organisations on your behalf. Freephone 0800 336699. |
|
Winter Fuel Payment |
Most people aged 60 and over qualify for a Winter Fuel payment made every November to December. If you have not received your entitlement, phone 08459 15 15 15, textphone 0845 601 5613. |
More efficient heating
|
Energy Efficiency Advice Centre |
Your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre will give you free advice on how to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable and to save you money on fuel bills. Freephone 0800 512 012. |
|
Warm Front Scheme |
This scheme gives grants worth up to £2,700 to improve heating and insulation. Freephone 0800 072 0151. |