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Winter is Coming - Be Prepared

Winter can be an expensive time of the year with heating and electricity costs rising along with the extra expense that Christmas brings. It is important to make sure you are receiving all the help you are entitled to.

Are you struggling to pay your Council Tax?

Before you contact us, you may wish to:

If you are struggling to pay your  instalments, please contact us. To discuss an alternative payment plan or ways that we may be able to help, call the Council Tax team on 01775 761161. 

Are you having difficulty paying your rent?

If you are in receipt of Universal Credit Housing Costs or Housing Benefits, you may qualify for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to help with your rent. 

It is important that you speak to your landlord as soon as possible if you are not going to be able to pay your rent, or you are going to be late making payment. 

If you are a SHDC tenant, please contact us for advice, support and guidance. This can include putting special payment plans in place or supporting you to claim benefits you're entitled to. 

You can contact the Housing Services Team on 01775 761161 or estatemanagement@sholland.gov.uk.   

Reducing your utility bills

Energy saving improvements

You might be able to get help from your energy supplier to make your home more energy efficient.

Find out more information from Lincs 4 Warmer Homes.

Switch energy supplier

You could save on your gas and electricity bills each year by changing your supplier.

If you rent your home, you won't need your landlord's permission to switch unless they pay your energy bills. However, it's a good idea to let them know who the new supplier is when you move out.

Price comparison sites are the easiest way to look at the deals from different suppliers. For example:

Find out more information from Ofgem about switching energy supplier.

Reduced tariffs with Anglian Water

If you're recovering from an illness, or going through other life changes affecting your finances, Anglian Water's Extra Care Support Team is available to help. They can be contacted on 0800 169 3630, and can discuss personalised payment plans and reduced tariffs. Further information can also be found at www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/water-care/extra-care-support.

Grants and discounts towards the cost of heating your home

You may be eligible for discounts and grants if you're an older person or have a low income.

Warm Home Discount

You might qualify for a £140 discount on your electricity bill in winter if you either:

  • have a low income
  • receive the guarantee element of pension credit
  • claim certain other benefits

Find out how to apply on GOV.UK.

You can also call the scheme's helpline on 0800 731 0214 for more information.

Cold weather payments

You may qualify for cold weather payments if you get:

  • pension credit
  • income support
  • income-based jobseeker's allowance
  • income-related employment and support allowance
  • universal credit

The payments are made when temperatures drop below freezing in your area for 7 days in a row between the beginning of November and the end of March.

You receive £35 for each 7-day period.

You don't need to apply. Payments are made automatically.

Check GOV.UK to see if a cold weather payment is due for your area.

Winter fuel payment

The winter fuel payment is a grant of £100 to £300 to help older people with energy bills in winter. To qualify for the payment, you must have been born on or before 5 November 1953.

How much you get depends on your age, if you receive certain benefits and if you live alone or with others.

Visit GOV.UK to find out if you qualify.

Housing Assistance Grants

The Council administers grants for adaptations and/or repairs to properties.  Further information is available at: www.sholland.gov.uk/article/5340/Housing-Assistance-Grants

Help with budgeting and managing finances

There are many agencies available to offer advice and support on debt and finances. 

Independent advice is available from the following: