Eight Ways to Beat Rising Bills

Tuesday 01st Mar, 2022

Members are being warned to brace themselves for a jump in what they pay for household energy in April, after changes to the energy price cap.

 

Members are being warned to brace themselves for a jump in what they pay for household energy in April, after changes to the energy price cap. 

Many expect this will lead to average bills soaring by as much as £700, taking the annual cost of electricity and gas for households on a supplier’s default tariff to £2,000.  

The boss of the UK’s largest energy supplier has said rocketing energy prices could last for as long as two years.

With inflation currently at 4.2 per cent and changes to National Insurance contributions coming in force in April it’s going to be a tough couple of years for residents.

The cost of living squeeze will be hardest for the poorest families, because they are most likely to receive universal credit and other benefits, and allocate a greater share of their spending to the necessities of food, gas and electricity.

Here are eight ways you can access support to meet rising living costs:

• For energy bills, the government has different schemes you can apply to which can help you pay your bills like the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment.
• Citizens advice has a comprehensive list of grants and schemes for paying energy bills on its website.
• Most water suppliers should have schemes available to assist those who are struggling to pay their bills. United Utilities has help available
• For rent, residents may be able to get help by claiming universal credit, which has now replaced housing benefit. 
• If you already claim benefits, and they don’t cover your housing costs, you may be able to get a discretionary housing payment through the local authority, which can help to cover the shortfall.
• Council tax relief is also available via the local authority if you are struggling to pay. You can find out more about applying for council tax reduction through the government’s website.
• The local council may also be able to help if you are struggling to buy essentials like food – and you don’t necessarily need to be in receipt of benefits to get help.
• Alternatively, you could seek help from a food bank if you are having a hard time paying for meals. 

Citizens Advice has a comprehensive guide on what to do if someone is struggling with living costs of all kinds, and can be contacted to help signpost to services which can help.

If you are worried about meeting Unify Credit Union loan repayments, please speak to us – we can help: creditcontrol@unifycu.org

 

Share This Story