Care & Repair have published a new booklet full of advice that will keep you warm this winter.
Published alongside the launch of the new Older Not Colder service, the booklet is full of information about keeping your home warm and your bills down. The booklet covers:
- Simple ways to save energy at home
- Government grants available to homeowners
- Advice when struggling with energy bills
- Benefits that can help with affording bills
- Energy scams to be aware of
- And more!
The DOs and DON’Ts When Struggling with Energy Bills
- DO try and speak to your energy supplier to discuss a way to pay that works for both of you. Our Home Energy Officers can get in touch with your energy supplier on your behalf.
- DO try and agree a payment plan to pay off debt in instalments. It’s important to inform your supplier of your circumstances. For example, tell them of any health conditions you may have. DO get free energy efficiency advice. We can provide you with expert advice on the best ways to save energy in your home, keeping your bills as low as possible.
- DO sign up for the Priority Services Register (PSR). You can sign up through your energy company. This will mean you will be entitled to priority support in an emergency, regular metering reading services, help with reconnecting your gas supply, and additional support when calling your network.
- DON’T ignore letters or avoid contact with your energy supplier, otherwise you may be at risk of disconnection.
- DON’T struggle in silence. If you pay by prepayment meter, you may be able to access a fuel voucher through your local council or a local support service. We can help you check to see if you are entitled to any financial support.
- DON’T cancel your direct debit or credit agreement to your energy suppliers. You may be able to access financial support from trusts, but this is more likely if you have been trying to make regular payments than if you have stopped paying altogether.
BE AWARE: Loft Insulation Scam
The cost-of-living and energy crisis has meant many households are concerned about paying their energy bills and are looking at making home energy improvements. Unfortunately, rogue traders and scammers have taken this opportunity to sell products claiming to save you money on your energy bills.
Spray foam loft insulation is a product that has risen in popularity in recent years, but unfortunately has the potential to be very damaging to your property. Spray foam loft insulation can also make it difficult to sell your house and can be very costly to remove. BBC News recently did an investigation into this problem, that you can read here.
Get the Booklet
Use the button below to download the PDF of the booklet for free. Alternatively, we can post you a hard copy — to request this, please email Jack: jack.bentley@careandrepair.org.uk
