New data shows North West residents less likely to turn their heating on then other areas in the UK

AS the UK faces the coldest snap in more than a decade, new research from Cadent, the UK's largest gas distribution network, has revealed how 75% of people surveyed on low incomes are struggling1 to make ends meet, with people in the:- 25 to 34 year old age bracket (89%) being the worst affected.

Fatema, a single mum of 3 said:- "Since the cost of living crisis, I've struggled with essentials such as food and uniforms for my children. But more recently, I was hit with a huge household bill, and I had no way to pay it. I was terrified!"

The research, conducted by Censuswide on be½ of Cadent, surveyed just over 2,000 people from low income households across the country, to assess how people are coping with ongoing higher living costs. The toll is mounting and the report shows that Fatema is not the only 1 experiencing serious financial difficulties.

87% people surveyed are making adjustments to save money, with the main cutbacks being made on social spend (59%), heating (50%) and food (46%), but stretched to their limit and with no end in sight, some are making worrying decisions.

42% of respondents have not turned their heating on at all this winter and alarmingly, this figure rises to 49% amongst:- 45 to 54 year olds surveyed. There are also huge Regional disparities, with respondents in Manchester more likely to cope without heating (46%), despite being statistically colder than the South of England (Greater London 32%).

25 to 34 year olds surveyed are also most likely to skip meals (40% vs 27% average) and elderly respondents (aged 60+) are more likely to turn the heating down than non-elderly respondents (70% vs 62%).

52% of the respondents said they don't know where to go for help if they can't afford to pay their household bills and Cadent is urging people to speak with their utility supplier if they are struggling to pay their energy bills.

Fatema visited the Bonny Downs Community Centre in East Ham, which receives funding as part of Cadent's Centres for Warmth programme to support families worst hit by escalating costs. She explains:- "The Bonny Downs Community Centre has been a genuine lifeline for me. I don't know where I'd be without the support, the centre has helped me so much. The team helped with essentials such as food and when I was hit with an unexpected bill, they have been able to help me get it paid."

Mark Belmega, Director of Sustainability and Social Purpose, said:- "The higher cost of living continues to take a staggering toll on Fatema and other low-income households across the country. Thankfully Fatema found the help she needed at 1 of our Centres for Warmth and the message we want to share with others is that help is available. Our website is packed with easy to follow money saving tips and information to help our customers make savings safely, but the support goes far beyond this and includes debt and benefit advice; just take the 1st step and get in touch."

If you are feeling anxious or stressed about higher living costs, Cadent's partner, Shout, offers 24/7, free, confidential support from a trained mental health advisor. Text:- 'WARMTH' to:- 85258, to speak to an advisor.

People on low incomes urged to check if they can get £150 energy bill discount

PEOPLE on low incomes could benefit from a £150 rebate on their energy bills; and are being urged to act now where they need to, so they can get the support before this year's scheme closes.

The help is available to over 3 million households across Great Britain that are most at risk of fuel poverty, with many receiving the discount automatically. However, some customers in England and Wales have been sent a letter asking them to confirm their details by calling the Warm Home Discount Helpline so they can check their eligibility and get the rebate.

To mark the start of Big Energy Saving Week, Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway is today urging any of these households who need to provide more information to call the helpline by 29 February and get the support they are entitled to.

The scheme forms part of measures to keep costs down for families and put more money in their pockets. It targets support to protect those most at risk of fuel poverty this winter, following a significant drop in energy prices since their peak in 2023, and the Government delivering on its pledge to halve inflation; which is now at a 2 year low of 3.9%.

Tax cuts announced at the start of the year will also support 27 million people across the UK, meaning a household with 2 average earners will save nearly £1,000 a year.

Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway said:- "We will always act to support the most vulnerable; and this means making sure those most in need are getting the right support. Today, I am urging people on low incomes who have been notified about the Warm Home Discount to make sure they act now to get £150 off their energy bill. Please check your letter and call our helpline before the end of February if you need to provide more information."

The Government's Warm Home Discount offers targeted energy bill support for those most in need. This includes low income pensioners and households in England and Wales with high energy costs.

These customers received a letter at the end of 2023, explaining the discount and instructions on any action they may need to take.

For the vast majority of these customers, the discount is automatically applied to bills between:- October 2023 and March 2024, or is available as a top up voucher for those with a prepayment meter.

However, some people in England and Wales who received a letter and could qualify for the support have been asked ring the Government helpline number provided in their letter to confirm their details. Customers can also find out more on the Government's Warm Home Discount gov.uk page and use the online eligibility checker to see if they qualify, or call the general Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.

In Scotland, customers on low incomes who have not received a letter may still be eligible and should apply via a different route, by contacting their energy supplier as soon as possible. 

The support comes on top of wider action to protect vulnerable households, including:- a £900 payment for those on means tested benefits, £300 for pensioner households, and an extra £150 available for those on disability benefits.

The Government has also invested over £2 billion into the Household Support Fund over the last 2 years, increased the Local Housing Allowance Rate so £1.6 million private renters on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit gain an average of nearly £800 a year and £600 in tax free cash for pensioner households to help with energy bills through Winter Fuel Payments.

Cold Weather Payments have also been triggered to help households receiving certain benefits to stay warm this winter. The scheme; which runs until March 2024; provides low income households with an automatic payment of £25 following periods of cold weather.

Anyone can access advice on how to reduce energy costs and heat their home for less via the Government's Help for Households website. This includes:- energy saving tips as part of the It All Adds Up campaign, which helped British households an estimated £120 million on their energy bills last winter.